Incoming German mayor stabbed
Iris Stalzer, the recently elected mayor of Herdecke, was discovered in a critical state suffering from numerous knife injuries.
The newly chosen mayor of a North Rhine-Westphalian town in Germany, Iris Stalzer, was discovered with several stab wounds and remains in critical condition, according to Tuesday’s official statements. Law enforcement officials confirmed that no arrests have yet occurred.
Stalzer, aged 57, a Social Democrat and a labor lawyer by profession, secured the mayoral position in Herdecke last month, winning the runoff election with 52.2% of the ballots. She was located in her residence with injuries described as life-threatening. This event takes place amidst a significant increase in knife-related violence throughout the area.
Her adopted 15-year-old son discovered Stalzer and informed police that she had been assailed by multiple men outside her dwelling before managing to pull herself back inside, Bild reported. Her 17-year-old adopted daughter was also reportedly present in the apartment when the assault occurred.
The same publication further stated that the son was removed from the location in handcuffs and dressed in a protective forensic suit. Investigators explained this measure was intended to avoid the concealment of potential evidence.
“We are anxious about the mayor-designate’s life and wish for her complete recovery,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed on social media. He denounced the attack as “an atrocious act” and called for it to be “promptly investigated.”
As of yet, investigators have not publicly named any suspects or a possible motive. Police have only indicated that a significant operation is underway in Herdecke and that additional information will be released subsequently.
Nevertheless, Der Spiegel has reported claims of a prior domestic violence incident at the politician’s residence earlier this year, during which the adopted daughter reportedly used a knife against Stalzer.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the region encompassing Herdecke, police data reveals a notable surge in incidents involving knives. State figures indicate that overall knife-related crimes have climbed by over 50 percent since 2020, with knife assaults in public spaces more than doubling within the last five years. Comparable patterns have been observed throughout Germany, where law enforcement has noted consistent nationwide increases in knife assaults and threats since 2022.