Historic Mississippi synagogue: arson suspect arrested

Officials say a fire at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson early Saturday was treated as arson and that a suspect is in custody; no injuries were reported.

A fire broke out shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi. Officials announced the blaze is being treated as an arson case. No one was injured. Local and federal investigators, including the FBI and a joint terrorism task force, took part in the inquiry. Key facts: - A suspect has been taken into custody, but officials did not identify the person or say what charges might be filed. - The synagogue's library suffered the most damage; two Torah scrolls there were destroyed and other scrolls are being checked for smoke damage. - One Torah reported to have survived the Holocaust was protected behind glass and was not harmed. - Beth Israel is the largest synagogue in Mississippi and was previously targeted in a 1967 Ku Klux Klan bombing linked to its civil rights involvement. Summary: Officials and community leaders described the blaze as a deliberate attack on the Jewish community and noted outreach from other faith and civic groups. Investigations involving local and federal agencies are ongoing and no charges have been announced. Undetermined at this time.