An armed man broke into the home of a rabbi in Southfield, Michigan, on Wednesday evening during a holiday dinner with Jewish students from the University of Michigan, police and university officials said.
The dinner took place at the start of Rosh Hashanah, they added, and no one was injured.
“The preliminary investigation indicates this was a crime of opportunity,” said police in Southfield, a suburb of Detroit that is roughly 40 miles from the university in Ann Arbor. “However, the investigation is ongoing.”
Southfield police said initial reports indicate that a man believed to be in his late teens or early 20s entered the home through the back door armed with a handgun. They said the man stated: “I’m taking everything. Give me everything.”
Police said authorities have identified a suspect and are “currently working to bring him into custody.” A female was also involved in the incident and has been taken into custody, they said.
Santa J. Ono, the university’s president, said the armed man entered the house through an open back door, stole a bag and fled. Ono said campus police had increased patrols on university grounds and in neighboring areas
He vowed to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff members and visitors.
“As tensions in the Middle East have escalated in recent days, it is more important than ever that we work collectively to offer solace and security to one another,” Ono said.
“These are challenging times, but there is enormous strength in our community,” he added. “Resolve with me to join together in solidarity, and help everyone feel safe, protected and empowered.”
