Newly Elected Mayor Stabbed in Critical Condition in Germany

Herdecke, Germany — The newly-elected mayor of Herdecke is in critical condition following a stabbing attack near her home on Tuesday. Iris Stalzer, 57, suffered life-threatening injuries around midday local time and was airlifted to a hospital, according to local police.

Stalzer, a mother of two teenagers and a member of the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), was declared in critical condition, with her life still in danger, as confirmed by a statement from Hagen Police.

Authorities have stated that there are no indications the attack was politically motivated, suggesting a possible family connection. “Based on current information, there are no indications that the attack was politically motivated. A family background is assumed,” the police said in a recent update.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his concern over the attack, calling it a “heinous crime.” He wrote on social media, “We fear for the life of the mayor-elect, Iris Stalzer, and hope for her full recovery. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”

Stalzer was elected mayor in a runoff vote on September 28 and was scheduled to officially take office in November. The local government in Herdecke expressed shock at the incident, stating they were in “disbelief” but did not provide further details.

The investigation is ongoing, with police looking into all possibilities, including a family connection to the crime. In recent years, there have been multiple attacks on politicians in Germany, raising concerns about safety.

This story is still developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.