The Jewish Federation of Detroit on Saturday night said there was no indication that the murder of a president of a local synagogue was motivated by antisemitism.
Samantha Woll, President of the board of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, was found dead outside her home early Saturday.
According to CNN, Woll had multiple stab wounds on her body. Officers were called about a person lying on the ground unresponsive and when they arrived at the scene, they found a “trail of blood” leading them to Woll’s home, according to a statement from the Detroit Police Department.
Woll was declared dead on scene, police said.
Police believe the crime took place inside her home, according to CNN. A motive for the killing is not yet known, police said.
In a statement on Saturday night, the Jewish Federation of Detroit said it was “shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Samantha Woll, Board President of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue.”
“Federation CEO Steve Ingher and others have been in close contact with leadership at the Downtown Synagogue since early this morning and continue to support them during this difficult time. Gary Sikorski, Director of Jewish Community Security Inc. (CSI) and his team have also been engaged in this matter all day,” the statement added.
It further said that Sikorski is in touch with area law enforcement and reports that there are no known threats to the community at this time.
“No evidence has been shared to indicate this was a targeted act motivated by antisemitism,” the statement stressed, adding, “We are also in communication with a wide variety of government and law enforcement entities, including the Detroit Mayor's Office, the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Detroit Police Department and FBI. We are all eager to better understand the circumstances of Samantha's death.”
“We will share additional information as soon as it becomes available.”
Yinam Cohen, Consul General of Israel to the Midwest, wrote on X on Saturday night, “I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Sam Woll's family and to the Jewish community of Detroit.”
“Sam was a passionate leader who made a huge impact on her community and in the city of Detroit. May her memory be a blessing.”