A newly-elected mayor, Iris Stalzer, was tragically stabbed 13 times in a horrific attack allegedly carried out by multiple assailants, leaving her in critical condition. The incident occurred in Herdecke-Herrentisch, Germany, where she was found with severe knife wounds to her stomach and back by her 15-year-old son at their home.
Emergency services promptly responded to the scene in the North Rhine-Westphalia region and provided urgent medical care to the 57-year-old politician. The far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing that violence has no place in society and urging swift legal action against the perpetrator(s).
According to reports from German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), Stalzer sustained around a dozen stab wounds in the chest and abdomen, remaining in critical condition. She had recently celebrated her mayoral election victory with over 52% of the vote. The police are investigating the incident and have not yet determined a motive for the brutal attack.
Stalzer’s adopted children, a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old, alerted authorities about the attack, claiming that their mother was assaulted by several men. While a manhunt is underway, no arrests have been made so far. The police are also exploring a possible connection to a previous domestic incident involving the 17-year-old daughter.
The city administration of Herdecke expressed shock and concern over the incident, wishing Stalzer a speedy recovery and directing inquiries to the ongoing police investigation. Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a thorough investigation into the attack, expressing hope for Stalzer’s recovery and offering support to her family during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues, the community awaits updates on Stalzer’s condition and the pursuit of justice for the vicious assault on the newly-elected mayor.
