According to the German newspaper Westfalenpost, Stalzer suffered as many as 13 stab wounds, primarily to her stomach and back, in a ferocious assault that has left her in critical condition. She was discovered inside her apartment by her 15-year-old adopted son, who reportedly alerted authorities alongside his 17-year-old adopted sister, both of whom were present at the scene when emergency services arrived. The severity of Stalzer’s injuries necessitated immediate medical intervention, and she was rushed to a hospital, where she remains under emergency treatment. A rescue helicopter was deployed to the scene, and images from Herdecke show a heavy police presence, with the road around Stalzer’s home sealed off as investigators combed the area for evidence.
The circumstances surrounding the attack remain murky, and police have yet to determine a clear motive. According to Bild, a prominent German outlet, the 15-year-old son of the mayor-elect was taken into custody following the incident. The teenager reportedly told police that his mother was attacked outside their home by “several men on the street.” However, authorities have not confirmed this account, and the boy was seen being led away from the scene in handcuffs, dressed in an evidence-preserving overall. This development has raised questions about the sequence of events and the potential involvement of others in the attack. A homicide squad is expected to take over the investigation, signaling the gravity of the case and the urgency with which police are treating it.
Local police have issued a major alert and, according to Bild, a manhunt is underway for any additional suspects who may be connected to the attack. Authorities are appealing to the public for information, urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. “The motive for the crime is completely unclear; we are investigating all avenues,” said police spokesperson Tino Schäfer in a statement. At this stage, investigators have not ruled out any possibilities, including whether the attack was politically motivated. Given Stalzer’s recent election as mayor and her affiliation with Germany’s centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), which serves as the junior partner in the country’s conservative-led national government, speculation about a political motive has surfaced, though no evidence has been made public to support this theory.
Iris Stalzer’s election as mayor of Herdecke, a town in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, was a significant milestone for the community. Securing 52.2 percent of the vote on September 28, she celebrated her victory with a heartfelt post on Instagram, expressing gratitude to the citizens of Herdecke for their trust in her leadership. “I will begin my term in November – full of joy, enthusiasm, and respect for this task. Together with you, I want to shape, develop, and keep our city vibrant,” she wrote. The post, which initially reflected her optimism and commitment to public service, has since been flooded with messages of support and prayers for her recovery in the wake of the attack. Comments such as “Disgusting act. A speedy recovery” and “I pray for your health” reflect the shock and sympathy felt by many in the community and beyond.
Stalzer, a lawyer specializing in employment legislation, is a lifelong resident of Herdecke and a familiar figure in local politics. Prior to her election as mayor, she served on the town’s city council, earning a reputation as a dedicated public servant. Married with two teenage children—her adopted son and daughter, who were present during the incident—Stalzer has deep roots in the community she was chosen to lead. Her election was seen as a continuation of her commitment to improving the lives of Herdecke’s residents, and her sudden and violent attack has left the town grappling with grief and uncertainty.
The attack has drawn strong condemnation from political leaders across Germany. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in a statement posted on social media, described the assault as a “heinous act” and expressed hope for Stalzer’s full recovery. “We fear for the life of mayor-elect Iris Stalzer,” Merz wrote, adding, “My thoughts are with her family and her relatives.” The chancellor’s remarks underscore the broader concern about rising violence against public figures in Germany, a country that has seen several high-profile attacks on politicians in recent years. While it remains unclear whether Stalzer’s role as mayor-elect was a factor in the attack, the incident has reignited discussions about the safety of elected officials and the potential risks they face in public life.
The investigation into the stabbing is ongoing, with police working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the attack. The involvement of Stalzer’s 15-year-old son, who was detained at the scene, has added a layer of complexity to the case. Authorities have not released additional details about his potential role or the credibility of his account regarding “several men” attacking his mother. The presence of Stalzer’s 17-year-old daughter at the scene further complicates the narrative, as police work to establish a clear timeline and identify any additional witnesses or suspects.
In Herdecke, a quiet town unaccustomed to such violence, the attack has sent shockwaves through the community. Residents have expressed disbelief that such a brutal incident could occur in their midst, particularly targeting a woman who was poised to lead the town into a new chapter. The sealed-off street around Stalzer’s home, the presence of a rescue helicopter, and the ongoing police activity have created an atmosphere of unease, as locals await updates on both the mayor-elect’s condition and the progress of the investigation.
As Stalzer fights for her life in the hospital, the thoughts of many in Herdecke and across Germany are with her and her family. The attack has not only raised questions about the safety of public officials but also highlighted the fragility of community trust in the face of such violence. For now, the focus remains on Stalzer’s recovery and the hope that justice will be served. The police’s appeal for public assistance underscores the importance of community cooperation in resolving this case, and authorities are hopeful that new leads will emerge to clarify the circumstances of this horrific act.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges and risks faced by those in public service, particularly in an era of heightened political tension. As Germany grapples with this tragedy, the resilience of its democratic institutions and the strength of its communities will be tested. For Iris Stalzer, a woman who dedicated her life to serving her town, the road to recovery will be arduous, but the outpouring of support from her constituents and colleagues reflects the deep respect and admiration she has earned. The nation waits anxiously for news of her condition, hoping that she will overcome this brutal attack and resume her role as a leader in Herdecke.
