Iris Stalzer, the newly elected mayor of Herdecke in western Germany, was critically injured in a stabbing attack outside her home on Tuesday, with police investigating a possible family connection rather than political motives.
The attack occurred around 12:40 p.m. local time on October 7, 2025, when Stalzer was discovered with multiple life-threatening stab wounds to her chest and abdomen. Emergency services, including police and medical teams, responded swiftly to the scene after a call from her children. She received initial treatment at the location before being airlifted by rescue helicopter to a hospital in Bochum, where she remains in critical condition under intensive care.
Police have launched a major investigation, setting up a homicide commission from the nearby city of Hagen. The crime scene, located inside Stalzer’s home, has been sealed off, and forensic experts in protective suits are examining evidence. Authorities have stated that while all avenues are being explored, there are no indications of a politically motivated crime at this stage, and a family connection is suspected.
Stalzer, a 57-year-old labor lawyer and member of the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), had recently won the mayoral election in Herdecke on September 28, securing 52.2% of the vote in a runoff against a Christian Democrat candidate. She was scheduled to be sworn in soon, and her election marked a shift in the town’s political landscape, as the CDU had long held the mayoral office. Herdecke, with a population of approximately 23,000, is part of the North Rhine-Westphalia state, and the incident has deeply affected the local community.
The emergency call was made by Stalzer’s two adopted children, a 17-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son, both minors. They were subsequently taken into custody for questioning and forensic investigation. Initial reports from the scene indicated that the son claimed his mother was attacked by several men on the street, but police evidence suggests the incident occurred inside the home, contradicting this account.
There was a previous incident of domestic violence in the Stalzer household earlier this year, which was recorded by police, according to security sources. This history is now a key focus of the investigation, as it may provide context for the stabbing. The motive remains unclear, but the family dynamics are under scrutiny, with the children remaining with investigators as of Tuesday evening.
Political reactions have been strong and unified in condemnation. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed deep shock, calling it a “heinous act” and stating, “We fear for the life of the mayor-elect, Iris Stalzer, and hope for a full recovery.” The SPD party echoed this sentiment, with parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch hoping she survives the “terrible act.” Local officials, including First Deputy Mayor Dennis Osberg, have wished her a speedy recovery, emphasizing the community’s shock.
The stabbing highlights broader issues of violence against public figures and domestic safety in Germany. While political violence has been a concern in the country, this case appears rooted in personal circumstances. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to provide updates, and Stalzer’s condition is closely watched, with implications for how such incidents are addressed in the future.
