Germany's City Leader Seriously Wounded in Stabbing Attack, Police Confirm
A newly-elected municipal leader in western Germany has been attacked with a knife and suffered severe wounds near her home, authorities state.
Iris Stalzer, 57, is a member of the SPD political group and assumed the mayoral role of the municipality in the regional state in September.
Local police say a major operation is under way in the community. Officials say every possibility is being checked, but they are considering a family connection.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz censured what he described as "a terrible crime", adding: "We are concerned about the survival of the mayor-elect, the victim, and hope for a full recovery."
The SPD said its members were deeply shocked by the incident.
Officials confirm her two children - a daughter, 17, and a teenage boy - made an emergency call to police at midday local time (11:00 British time).
The children were subsequently removed for interviewing and evidence collection. A journalist present witnessed a young person entering a police patrol car.
This summer, there was an family conflict episode in the family, which was documented by authorities, security sources revealed.
- Public official stabbed at residence
- Severe injuries confirmed
- Police investigation focuses on domestic angles
- Minors alerted authorities
