Iris Stalzer, the newly elected mayor of the town of Herdecke in western Germany, was found critically injured at her home with multiple stab wounds. Despite initial concerns, police have stated that there is no evidence to suggest the attack was politically motivated. Instead, investigators are exploring the possibility of a family-related motive as clues point to a domestic connection.
Stalzer, 57, a member of the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), had just been elected mayor on September 28 and was due to take office in November. She was discovered gravely injured by her son around midday and airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment. Authorities launched a major investigation, including questioning Stalzer’s two adopted teenage children.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack as "an abominable act" and expressed hope for her full recovery, sending thoughts to her family. The town administration and SPD members also expressed shock and solidarity.
The police homicide unit is examining all leads, but the current stance is that the motivation is likely personal rather than political. This incident recalls earlier high-profile attacks on German politicians, such as the 2019 murder of conservative politician Walter Lübcke by a far-right extremist, a tragedy that deeply affected the country.