Shamira Mohammed

Pittman appeared in court via videoconference, lying in a hospital bed with his hands covered in bandages.

According to an affidavit, Pittman's father told the FBI that his son confessed to setting fire to the Beth Israel Synagogue when his father pleaded for him to come home.

Pittman allegedly texted him, I did my research.

Investigators say Pittman referred to Beth Israel as, quote, the synagogue of Satan.

The fire badly damaged the historic synagogue's library.

Pittman was responsive to questions in court, and when asked if he understood his rights, responded, quote, yes, sir, Jesus Christ is Lord.

He's due back in court next week.

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