Newly Elected 57-Year-Old German Mayor Battles for Life After Brutal Home Attack

Iris Stalzer, the recently elected mayor of Herdecke near Dortmund in western Germany, is currently battling for her life following a violent stabbing incident at her residence.
The assault occurred around midday, as reported by public broadcaster WDR. According to Westfalenpost, Stalzer suffered up to 13 stab wounds.
Her 15-year-old adopted son found her inside their home, critically injured with multiple stab wounds to her abdomen and back, German news outlet Bild revealed.
Authorities have detained the teenager, who claimed that his mother was attacked outside their house by a group of men on the street, the report stated.
The boy was taken into custody wearing a protective suit to preserve evidence, and was handcuffed at the scene.
Emergency services were alerted by the teenager and his 17-year-old adopted sister, who was also present when police arrived.
Stalzer is undergoing urgent medical care in hospital and remains in a critical state.
She had been set to assume office as mayor of Herdecke, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, just one week after her election.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack, describing it as a “vile act.”
Local law enforcement has launched a large-scale search for the suspects, with a rescue helicopter and emergency teams seen at the location. The area around Stalzer’s home has been cordoned off for investigation.
A homicide unit is expected to take over the case soon.
Police are urgently requesting any information from the public to aid their inquiries.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether the attack was politically motivated.
Police spokesperson Tino Schäfer stated, “The motive behind this crime is entirely unknown; we are exploring all possibilities.”
Stalzer, affiliated with Germany’s centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), which is the junior partner in the current conservative-led federal government, won the mayoral election on September 28.
She secured just over 52.2% of the vote and expressed her gratitude on Instagram, saying, “I sincerely thank the people of Herdecke for this incredible result and the trust you have placed in me as your new mayor.
“I look forward to starting my term in November with enthusiasm, joy, and a deep respect for this responsibility. Together, we will work to nurture and develop our city.”
Following news of the attack, her Instagram post has been flooded with messages wishing her a swift recovery.
“Such a terrible act. Wishing you a speedy healing,” one comment read.
Another added, “Praying for your health and strength.”
Stalzer is married with two teenage children and has spent nearly her entire life in Herdecke.
A trained lawyer specializing in labor law, she previously served on the city council before her recent election.
Chancellor Merz shared on social media, “We are deeply concerned for mayor-elect Iris Stalzer’s life and hope for her complete recovery.
“My thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.”