Duluth Police Chief Says Investigation Into Synagogue Fire Ongoing

An investigation into a Duluth synagogue fire is ongoing. The more than century-old Adas Israel Congregation Synagogue burned down early Monday morning.

The cause of the fire has not yet been identified. Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken said nearly 20 officers are interviewing witnesses and collecting hundreds of hours of surveillance video from the surrounding area.

Duluth’s police chief said they recovered new evidence, but would not elaborate further. Tusken said they’re treating the fire as a criminal investigation until they know more.

“I will say this that there is no indication right now that there is a threat to other places of worship and certainly other places of worship to include the Jewish community,” said Tusken.

Tusken said he’s met with members of the faith community on how to stay safe during a time when synagogues and churches have been the target of hate crimes across the country.

“That is a perpetual and continual mission of ours to work with them to make sure they feel safe in their places of worship,” he said.

Officials and members of Adas Israel have said there’s been no indication of any threats made against the synagogue or its congregation. The synagogue has members from throughout the Twin Ports community.

Agents from the St. Paul field division with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are providing technical assistance on the investigation. Cleanup of the site is ongoing and people are being asked to avoid the area.

Anyone with any information about the fire is encouraged to call the ATF tipline at 1-888-283-3473.