German Mayor Seriously Wounded in Knife Assault, Police Confirm
A newly-elected mayor 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 centre-left Social Democratic party (SPD) and assumed the mayoral role of Herdecke in the North-Rhine Westphalia state in September.
Area law enforcement report a major operation is under way in the community. Officials say all avenues are being explored, but they are considering a family connection.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz censured what he called "a terrible crime", adding: "We are concerned about the survival of the newly elected mayor, Iris Stalzer, and wish for complete healing."
The SPD expressed its party members were deeply shocked by the attack.
Authorities say Stalzer's two adopted children - a daughter, 17, and a teenage boy - contacted emergency services to authorities at midday local time (11:00 British time).
The children were subsequently removed for interviewing and evidence collection. A reporter at the scene observed a teenager getting into a law enforcement vehicle.
This summer, there was an incident of domestic violence in the household, which was recorded by the police, insiders revealed.
- Public official attacked at residence
- Severe injuries reported
- Probe focuses on family links
- Minors alerted authorities
