Germany's Mayor Seriously Wounded in Knife Assault, Police Confirm
A recently appointed mayor in western Germany has been attacked with a knife and suffered severe wounds near her home, police say.
The official, 57, is a affiliate of the centre-left Social Democratic party (SPD) and became the mayor of the municipality in the regional state in last month.
Local police say a major operation is under way in the small town. Investigators say all avenues are being explored, but they are not ruling out a family connection.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz censured what he called "a terrible crime", adding: "We fear for the life of the mayor-elect, Iris Stalzer, and wish for complete healing."
The SPD expressed its party members were profoundly stunned by the incident.
Authorities confirm Stalzer's two adopted children - a 17-year-old girl, and a teenage boy - contacted emergency services to police at midday local time (11:00 BST).
The minors were subsequently removed for interviewing and evidence collection. A journalist present observed a young person getting into a police patrol car.
During the summer, there was an family conflict episode in the family, which was recorded by the police, security sources said.
- Mayor stabbed near home
- Severe injuries reported
- Police investigation examines domestic angles
- Minors alerted authorities
