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Who was Samantha Woll? Female synagogue leader murdered outside her home in Detroit

Several politicians took to social media to react to her killing, fondly recalling her kindness, love, and light

DETROIT, MICHIGAN: Samantha Woll, Detroit synagogue board president was stabbed to her death in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, October 21.

The news of her killing was announced by Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in a Facebook post.

"We are shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Samantha Woll, our Board President. At this point, we do not have more information, but will share more when it becomes available. May her memory be a blessing," synagogue officials posted.

Politicians react to Samantha Woll's killing

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel wrote on X, “I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal murder,” alongside a photo of her with Woll.

She added, “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.”

While Republican Elyssa Slotkin said on the same social platform, that Woll had helped lead her office during her first full term.

Slotkin wrote, "I and all of Team Slotkin is heartbroken at this news. Sam worked for me from nearly the moment I became a Congresswoman, helping us set up the office & helping to lead it for my full first term."

"She did for our team as Deputy District Director what came so naturally to her: helping others & serving constituents," the Republican added in a second post.

Slotkin also said, "Separately, in politics & in the Jewish community, she dedicated her short life to building understanding across faiths, bringing light in the face of darkness."

In a third post, she wrote, "My heart aches that we have lost someone so dedicated to serving others in such a senseless act. I’ll miss her relentless desire to serve & her bright smile seemingly everywhere across the Detroit area. Team Slotkin shares in the deep grief of her family & her greater community."

Mayor Mike Duggan calls Samantha Woll's death 'tragic'

Mayor Mike Duggan also made a public statement on Woll’s death. He wrote, "I was devastated today to learn of the loss of one of Detroit’s great young leaders - Samantha Woll."

He then fondly recalled, "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."

In a second post, he wrote, "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."

Republican Noah Arbit, a Jewish Democrat from West Bloomfield Township, said Woll was "always looking out for others." He wrote in a thread, "I am shattered and broken and unable to move. I have no adequate words. There was no kinder human being than Sam Woll."

Arbit added in her statement. "She was love and light personified. She would text you randomly to check in and say hi. She was always looking out for others."

He also wrote in the next post, "Sam devoted her life to fighting for justice and equality. She believed in the city and the people of Detroit, and her deep commitment to Judaism and the Jewish people reflected in all of her work. Sam was a gift to this world."

In a third post, Arbit expressed, "It is inconceivable that someone could commit such an act of evil against another human being, let alone one so good as Sam Woll. May her memory be a blessing. Her life was a blessing."

He concluded, "All she would have wanted is for us to continue to fight for justice & equality in her memory. In her name we will never give up. Baruch Dayan Emet. Sam Woll, you were so loved and cherished."

The Michigan State Police director Col James F Grady II said in a statement, "The Michigan State Police is on the ground and working with the Detroit Police Department as they continue to investigate the tragic death of Samantha Woll."

He added, "We have MSP investigators assigned to the Detroit Homicide Task Force and will make all MSP resources available during this investigation. The MSP offers sincere condolences to Woll’s family and everyone who knew her."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Detroit Police Department's Homicide Section at (313) 596-2260.