German Mayor Seriously Wounded in Knife Assault, Police Confirm
A newly-elected mayor in western Germany has been attacked with a knife and suffered severe wounds close to her residence, authorities state.
Iris Stalzer, 57, is a member of the centre-left Social Democratic party (SPD) and assumed the mayoral role of the municipality in the regional state in September.
Area law enforcement say a significant response is in progress in the small town. Investigators indicate every possibility is being checked, but they are not ruling out a family connection.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz censured what he called "a terrible crime", stating: "We are concerned about the survival of the mayor-elect, Iris Stalzer, and hope for a full recovery."
The SPD expressed its party members were profoundly stunned by the incident.
Authorities confirm her two children - a 17-year-old girl, and a 15-year-old son - contacted emergency services to police at midday local time (11:00 British time).
The children were subsequently removed for questioning and evidence collection. A journalist present witnessed a young person entering a law enforcement vehicle.
During the summer, there was an family conflict episode in the household, which was documented by authorities, security sources said.
- Public official attacked near home
- Critical condition reported
- Police investigation examines domestic angles
- Children alerted authorities
