Herdecke Mayor Iris Stalzer Stabbed, Critical

Iris Stalzer, 57, the newly elected mayor of Herdecke (elected Sept. 28), was found Tuesday in her apartment with multiple stab wounds and is in critical, life‑threatening condition in intensive care. She was reportedly discovered by her son and told him she had been attacked by several men on the street; emergency services airlifted her to hospital after wounds to her stomach and back. Police have launched a large operation and investigators are examining the scene; authorities have not confirmed any suspects or a motive, though some outlets report a manhunt. Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the assault "an abhorrent act" and said officials feared for her life. The attack has shocked the local community and revived concerns about political violence in Germany, with some commentators drawing parallels to the 2019 killing of politician Walter Luebcke.