German mayor in critical condition after stabbing attack, adopted teen son in custody

The newly-elected mayor of Herdecke, Germany, Iris Stalzer of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), is in critical condition after being found with multiple stab wounds in her apartment on Tuesday. Police say the 57-year-old was discovered seriously injured in the Herdecke Herrentisch area shortly around noon.

According to reports from Bild, Stalzer was found by her son, who called emergency services around 12:40 pm. She had multiple stab wounds to her stomach and back but was initially responsive when first responders arrived. Police confirmed that she was airlifted to Knappschaft University Hospital in Bochum, where she remains in critical condition. Bild reports that her adopted son claimed that she was attacked on the street by several men.

Investigators say two of Stalzer’s adopted children, a 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl, were at home when the incident occurred. The teenage boy was reportedly handcuffed and placed in a forensic suit inside a patrol car, a standard procedure to preserve potential evidence, police said. Authorities have not ruled out a family-related motive, noting that there had been a prior domestic violence incident in the family during the summer of 2025.

Police have launched a large-scale operation in Herdecke, a small town in the Ennepe-Ruhr district. Streets around Stalzer’s home have been taped off as forensic teams examine the scene. Officers say they are pursuing all leads,and the exact motive remains unclear.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) called the attack a “heinous act” and said the country was “fearing for the life of the mayor-elect.” In a post on X, he added, “It must be quickly investigated. We hope for a full recovery. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”

SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf said the news “deeply saddens us,” while North Rhine-Westphalia SPD official Frederick Cordes thanked emergency services for their work. Henning Hone, leader of the state FDP, also wrote on X: “Terrible news from Herdecke. All the best, dear Ms. Stalzer!”

Police say the investigation is ongoing and have not yet confirmed whether any arrests have been made.