German Mayor-Elect Stabbed, Merz Condemns ‘Heinous’ Attack

The newly elected mayor of Herdecke, a small town in western Germany, Iris Stalzer, has been hospitalized in critical condition after being stabbed in her home, police confirmed on Tuesday.

Authorities said Stalzer, 57, was found with life-threatening injuries around midday and was airlifted to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Investigators said there was currently no indication of a political motive, though all possible leads were being explored.

According to police sources, Stalzer’s teenage children, aged 15 and 17, have been questioned in connection with the attack, but no arrests have yet been made. The mayor-elect, who was set to officially assume office on November 1, had only recently won the local election.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the incident, describing it as a “heinous act” and called for a swift and thorough investigation. “Violence against public officials is an assault on democracy itself,” Merz said, expressing hope for Stalzer’s recovery.

Local leaders across North Rhine-Westphalia have also reacted with shock, sending messages of solidarity to Stalzer’s family and calling for better protection of elected officials.

Police said investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances and motive behind the attack.