In a tragic turn of events, Samantha Woll, 40, President of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue, was found stabbed to death outside her home on Saturday morning. Contrary to initial speculation, Detroit Police Chief James White stated on Sunday that there is “no evidence suggesting this crime was motivated by antisemitism.”

Woll, known for her active involvement in local and state politics, was eulogised in an obituary as a supporter of the arts and an avid hiker. Her murder has sparked mourning in Jewish and Democratic circles, with U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin expressing grief over the loss of someone who “dedicated her short life to building understanding across faiths.”

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel remembered Woll for her love of community, state, and country. “Sam was as kind a person as I’ve ever known,” Nessel wrote.

Beyond her role in Detroit’s Jewish community, Woll was recognised for her involvement with the Democratic Party in local and state campaigns. Political leaders in Michigan, including Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, state Attorney General Dana Nessel, and US Representative Rashida Tlaib, expressed condolences. Tlaib, in a Facebook post, mourned the loss of her friend and community member, describing Woll as someone who always had a sweet smile and warm eyes.

Amid concerns about rising anti-Semitism in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Woll’s killing occurred a week after the hate crime against a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy in Chicago. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland addressed growing tensions, directing local authorities to “reaffirm our commitment” to religious communities and assess their additional support needs.

The investigation into Samantha Woll’s murder continues with the assistance of the FBI, shedding light on the complexity of motives in a city grappling with violence.