Police say synagogue president murder showed ‘no evidence’ of a hate crime

October 22, 2023 09:57 PM

The Detroit Police Department quieted the speculation that the stabbing of a synagogue president was a hate crime.

“No evidence has surfaced suggesting that this crime was motivated by antisemitism,” Police Chief James E. White said. “I again ask the community to remain patient while our investigators and law enforcement partners continue their work. Everything that can be done to bring this matter to closure is being called into service.”

WILL GUILTY PLEAS IN TRUMP’S GEORGIA RICO CASE DAMN HIS EVENTUAL TRIAL?

Synagogue President Slain — Samantha Woll, president of the board at the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue poses for a photo in Detroit, Oct. 13, 2022. Samantha Woll, a Detroit synagogue president was found stabbed to death outside her home Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 police said. The motive wasn’t known. (David Guralnick/Detroit News via AP)

Samantha Woll, 40, was found stabbed to death outside her home on Saturday morning. Forensic evidence seemed to suggest the crime was committed in her home, and Woll wandered into the street after being stabbed multiple times.

Police are currently conducting interviews with individuals in their investigation. A subsequent media update is anticipated on Monday, with Woll’s Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue also promising an update when available. The FBI’s Detroit office has also given “technical, forensic, and intelligence assistance,” per the agency.

Anti-Jewish hate crimes increased by 36% in 2022 compared to the previous year, according to FBI crime data. Meanwhile, the same dataset saw a 3% increase in anti-Islamic hate crimes.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Michigan reported just over 30 instances of antisemitic hate crimes last year, which was a slight increase from 20 the year before.

Woll had been Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue’s board president since 2022.