Shamira Mohamed

An attorney for Steven Spencer Pittman argued his client poses no serious danger to potential witnesses and should be deemed eligible for bond with conditions.

Attorneys for the government argued the 19-year-old does pose a risk to witnesses from Beth Israel and his parents.

A federal judge denied him bond.

Zach Schimper is president of the Beth Israel Congregation.

A trial has been set for February 23rd.

For NPR News, I'm Shamira Mohamed in Jackson, Mississippi.

The charges carry a hate crime enhancement, meaning harsher penalties if the felony was committed because of the perceived race,

He faces up to 60 years of prison on the state charges alone.

Pittman is a former honor student of a well-known Catholic school.

The Catholic Diocese of Jackson has condemned the actions attributed to Pittman.

And Hines County District Attorney Jody Owens says, quote, crimes motivated by hate and directed at places of worship strike at the core of who we are as a community.

For NPR News, I'm Shamira Mohamed in Jackson, Mississippi.

The fire originated in the synagogue's library Saturday, according to Charles Felton, the chief of fire investigation with the Jackson Fire Department.

Felton says a suspect has been arrested and charged.

Local authorities and the FBI are investigating the potential of this being a hate crime.

Eitan Weiss is Israeli consul general of the southeastern United States.

Zach Schimper, president of the Beth Israel Congregation, says his community is devastated but ready to rebuild.

No injuries occurred in relation to the fire.

For NPR News, I'm Shamir Mohamed in Jackson, Mississippi.

13% of Mississippi's population relies on SNAP benefits.