A Detroit synagogue president was found stabbed to death outside her home in the downtown area of the city on Saturday morning. 

Samantha Woll, 40, was head of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue since 2022, and previously worked for several Democratic politicians including Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin. 

According to the Detroit Free Press, Woll’s body was discovered after a trail of blood led to her home, where she was found with multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. 

In a statement after the Jewish leaders’ death, Attorney General Dana Nessel said Woll was murdered.

‘I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal murder,’ said Nessel, who Woll had also worked for on her re-election campaign. 

‘Sam was as kind a person as I’ve ever known. She was driven by her sincere love of her community, state and country. Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone.’ 

Police say they are still investigating the crime, and neither a motive nor cause of death have been officially released. It remains unclear if the killing has any relation to unrest in the Middle East. 

Samantha Woll, 40, was found stabbed to death outside her home on Saturday morning

Woll had been the head of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue since 2022, and was also known for her work with several Democrat politicians

Attorney General Dana Nessel, with whom Woll had worked with previously, said the Jewish leader was murdered as she paid a touching tribute to her 

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‘At this point we do not have more information, but will share more when it becomes available,’ her synagogue said, which called her passing ‘unexpected.’ 

‘May her memory be a blessing.’ 

In June, Woll was named in the Detroit Jewish News‘ ’36 under 36’ list, which described her as a ‘social justice and political activist.’ 

‘She was instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit — a grassroots collective of young adults of both faiths who gather in partnership to learn, celebrate and build community together,’ the glowing profile read. 

‘The Forum has helped to build and deepen important relationships that did not previously exist between the young Jewish and Muslim communities, hosting revolutionary events, including an Interfaith Iftar dinner welcoming Syrian refugees.

‘By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world. 

‘Sam is also the co-chair of the American Jewish Committee’s ACCESS Detroit Young Leadership Program and is an active member of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue.’ 

Tributes have poured in for the religious leader after her sudden passing, as Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said he was devastated ‘to learn of the loss of one of Detroit’s great young leaders.’ 

‘Just weeks ago, I shared a day of joy with Sam at the dedication of the newly renovated Downtown Synagogue. It was a project she successfully led with great pride and enthusiasm,’ he said in a statement. 

‘Sam’s loss has left a huge hole in the Detroit community. This entire city joins with her family and friends in mourning her tragic death.’