Germany's Mayor Critically Injured in Knife Assault, Police Confirm
A newly-elected municipal leader in western Germany has been stabbed and suffered severe wounds close to her residence, police say.
Iris Stalzer, 57, is a member of the centre-left Social Democratic party (SPD) and assumed the mayoral role of Herdecke in the regional state in September.
Local police say a major operation is under way in the community. Officials indicate every possibility is being checked, but they are not ruling out a domestic link.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz censured what he described as "a heinous act", adding: "We are concerned about the survival of the newly elected mayor, Iris Stalzer, and wish for complete healing."
The party said its members were profoundly stunned by the incident.
Authorities say her two children - a daughter, 17, and a teenage boy - made an emergency call to police at noon (11:00 British time).
The minors were later taken away for questioning and forensic investigation. A journalist present observed a young person entering a law enforcement vehicle.
This summer, there was an incident of domestic violence in the household, which was documented by authorities, insiders said.
- Public official attacked near home
- Severe injuries confirmed
- Probe examines domestic angles
- Children alerted authorities
