Mayor in western Germany in critical condition after stabbing
- On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Iris Stalzer—who had just won the mayoral election in Herdecke—was discovered in her apartment with critical stab wounds.
- This attack occurred shortly after Stalzer won the mayoral runoff election on September 28, receiving 52.2% of the vote against Fabian Conrad Haas.
- Authorities reported Stalzer had been stabbed several times, with emergency responders finding her alive but in a life-threatening condition.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced his profound dismay at the attack, describing it as horrific, and conveyed his concern for Iris Stalzer’s condition while wishing her a swift and complete recovery.
- Police launched a large-scale manhunt as the motive and identities of the perpetrators remained unknown, prompting concern about public official safety.
219 Articles
219 Articles
After the stabbing attack on the newly elected mayor of the city of Herdecke in North Rhine-Westphalia, the police assume that the crime is private. The victim is now conscious again.

A mayor-elect in Germany is found with serious stab wounds. Investigators see no political motive
The newly elected mayor of a town in western Germany has been found with serious stab wounds. Investigators say there is no evidence of a political motive and that they suspect a family connection to Tuesday's attack. Iris Stalzer was…
Social Democrat Iris Stalzer had just been elected mayor of the town of Herdecke. Chancellor Friedrich Merz denounced an "odious act." Investigators "suppose" a family motive.
The mayor-designate of Herdecke is stabbed down and injured in danger. It was probably not a political act, the police say. What is known?
The mayor-designate of Herdecke is stabbed down and injured in danger. It was probably not a political act, the police say. What is known?
The new mayor of Herdecke, Iris Stalzer, is in danger of life after a knife attack. Her adopted children (15, 17) are being questioned.
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