Suspicious Notes Found on Jackson Buildings, Prompting Security Concerns

Authorities investigating spray-painted messages that referenced a local church

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Authorities in Jackson, Mississippi are investigating a series of suspicious notes left on multiple downtown buildings, including both Hinds County courthouses, Thalia Mara Hall, and a Roman Catholic church. The notes, which were accompanied by black spray-painted messages, prompted heightened security measures and delayed courthouse openings. While no direct threats were made, the content of the notes, which referenced a local church, has raised concerns among law enforcement.

Why it matters

This incident comes just over a month after an arson attack on a local synagogue, and follows multiple threats made against metro area schools, heightening concerns about potential targeted attacks on religious and civic institutions in the Jackson area. Law enforcement is taking the matter seriously, with assistance from state and federal partners, in an effort to identify and apprehend the suspect.

The details

According to Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones, the suspect was captured on surveillance video committing the vandalism. The content of the notes, which mentioned a local Roman Catholic church, prompted heightened security measures at the affected buildings, even though no direct threats were made. Jones stated that every precaution is being taken to ensure the safety of the public and the targeted establishments.

  • The incident occurred on February 13, 2026, delaying the openings of both Hinds County courthouses.
  • It has been just over a month since the arson attack on the Beth Israel Synagogue in the Jackson metro area.

The players

Tyree Jones

Hinds County Sheriff, who is leading the investigation into the suspicious notes and vandalism.

Beth Israel Synagogue

A local synagogue that was the target of an arson attack just over a month prior to this incident.

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What they’re saying

“It was concerning, some of the language and some of the content of the notes. And again, it did mention something about a religion, which was the Roman Catholic Church. And again, that's what heightened our security even more.”

— Tyree Jones, Hinds County Sheriff (WLBT)

“You have callers that call into schools, religious institutions. We think about the Jewish church, you know, on Old Canton Road. All of these things are concerning. And we have to make sure that we're doing everything that we can and everything that's possible to make sure that people are safe, these establishments are safe, and that we are addressing these issues to make or develop suspect information to hold someone accountable.”

— Tyree Jones, Hinds County Sheriff (WLBT)

What’s next

Authorities are confident the suspect will be identified and arrested in the near future, as Capitol Police and federal partners are assisting in the investigation.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing security concerns and heightened vigilance required to protect civic and religious institutions in the Jackson area, following a series of recent threats and attacks. Law enforcement is working diligently to apprehend the suspect and restore a sense of safety and security in the community.