In the North Rhine-Westphalian city of Herdecke, the newly elected mayor Iris Stalzer (57, SPD) has been found seriously injured near her home. She was discovered with stab wounds and taken by helicopter to a hospital in Bochum after first aid.

Stalzer had only taken office in September. According to the police, extensive investigations are currently underway. The investigators are examining all possible backgrounds and do not rule out a family connection.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the "heinous act" in the strongest possible terms and declared:

The SPD was also deeply affected. Members of the party reacted with dismay to the attack. The First Deputy Mayor of Herdecke, Dennis Osberg, said:

According to reports in German media, Stalzer suffered severe stab wounds to the chest and abdomen. She had not yet been officially sworn in after narrowly winning the mayoral election last month.

Particularly noteworthy: Two adopted children of the politician - a 17-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son - dialed the emergency number. Both were later taken away by the authorities for questioning and forensic examination. A reporter observed a teenager getting into a police vehicle.

Forensic experts in protective suits were on duty at the scene to secure evidence.
According to unconfirmed information, there was an incident of domestic violence within the family in the summer, which was known to the authorities. Whether this connection exists with the crime is currently the subject of investigations.






Source: ARD News
Author MFRadio Redaktion