A newly-elected mayor in western Germany has been stabbed and is in critical condition, according to local police. Iris Stalzer, age 57, is a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and became the mayor of Herdecke in North Rhine-Westphalia in September.
Police announced that a major operation is underway in the small town as they investigate the incident. All potential leads are being pursued, with authorities not ruling out a possible family connection. Stalzer sustained multiple injuries to her chest and abdomen, according to reports, and she was treated at the scene before being airlifted to a hospital in Bochum.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the attack as “a heinous act” and expressed concern for Stalzer’s wellbeing, hoping for her full recovery. The SPD released a statement noting that party members are deeply shocked by the event. Dennis Osberg, the First Deputy Mayor of Herdecke, also expressed his wishes for Stalzer’s recovery, indicating the community’s distress over the incident.
Stalzer had narrowly won last month’s mayoral elections and had not yet been sworn in. Her two adopted children, ages 17 and 15, made an emergency call to authorities around midday local time. Following the incident, the children were taken for questioning as part of the investigation. Forensic experts arrived at the scene to conduct an examination.
In background, security sources noted that there had been a reported incident of domestic violence within the family earlier this summer. The investigation continues as police gather information regarding the circumstances surrounding the stabbing.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czrpz5e8mgyo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss