Germany's City Leader Critically Injured in Knife Assault, Authorities Report
A recently appointed municipal leader in Germany's western region has been attacked with a knife and suffered severe wounds close to her residence, police say.
Iris Stalzer, 57 years old, is a affiliate of the SPD political group and became the mayor of the municipality in the North-Rhine Westphalia state in last month.
Local police say a significant response is in progress in the small town. Officials indicate every possibility is being checked, but they are not ruling out a family connection.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned what he described as "a heinous act", adding: "We are concerned about the survival of the mayor-elect, the victim, and hope for a full recovery."
The party said its party members were deeply shocked by the attack.
Officials say her two children - a daughter, 17, and a teenage boy - made an emergency call to authorities at midday local time (11:00 British time).
The children were later taken away for interviewing and forensic investigation. A journalist present witnessed a teenager entering a police patrol car.
This summer, there was an incident of domestic violence in the household, which was documented by authorities, insiders said.
- Public official stabbed near home
- Critical condition confirmed
- Police investigation examines domestic angles
- Children made emergency call
