(MENAFN) Iris Stalzer, 57, a newly-elected mayor in western Germany, was critically injured in a stabbing near her home, according to local authorities. Stalzer, a member of the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), became mayor of Herdecke in North-Rhine Westphalia in September but had not yet been sworn in.

Police have launched a major investigation in the small town, exploring all possible motives while not ruling out a family connection. Authorities confirmed that Stalzer sustained multiple injuries to her chest and abdomen. She received treatment at the scene before being airlifted to a hospital in Bochum.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the incident as “a heinous act,” adding, “We fear for the life of the mayor-elect, Iris Stalzer, and hope for a full recovery.” SPD officials expressed deep shock over the attack, and Herdecke’s First Deputy Mayor Dennis Osberg wished her a “speedy recovery,” describing the event as both shocking and distressing.

Police said Stalzer’s two adopted children, a 17-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son, called emergency services and were subsequently taken for questioning and forensic investigation. Observers reported seeing a teenager being escorted into a police vehicle, and forensic experts in protective suits arrived to examine the scene.

Security sources noted that a domestic violence incident involving the family had been reported to authorities earlier this summer.

MENAFN08102025000045017640ID1110166030