A newly elected mayor in Herdecke, western Germany, has been critically injured in a stabbing near her home, police say. Iris Stalzer, 57—a member of the leftist Social Democratic Party (SPD)—won last month’s election but had not yet been sworn in.
Stalzer suffered multiple stab wounds to the chest and abdomen. She was treated at the scene before being airlifted to a hospital in Bochum. Local police launched a major operation and said all avenues are being explored, including a potential family connection.
Her adopted children—a 17-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son—called emergency services. According to media reports, the son was later handcuffed and taken away by police for questioning, reportedly wrapped in a blanket.
According to Der Spiegel a domestic incident involving the family occurred earlier this summer, which had been documented by police. Investigators have not confirmed the motive, and it remains unclear whether the attack was politically or personally motivated.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) condemned what he called a “heinous act,” writing on X that the crime must be investigated swiftly. SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch expressed shock and wished Stalzer a full recovery.
