Newly elected mayor critically injured in stabbing attack in Germany

Crime

Newly elected mayor critically injured in stabbing attack in Germany

1 month ago

News sources:

REUTERS

ALJAZEERA

BBC

LATIMES

Newly elected mayor critically injured in stabbing attack in Germany

Credited from: LATIMES

Iris Stalzer, the newly elected mayor of Herdecke, critically injured in stabbing.
The attack occurred near her home, prompting a major police investigation.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack as a "heinous act."

Iris Stalzer, the newly elected mayor of Herdecke in western Germany, was found with multiple stab wounds on Tuesday, leaving her in critical condition. The attack occurred shortly before 1 p.m. local time as she managed to drag herself back into her house where her children called for help, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.

The incident has drawn significant attention, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemning it as an "abhorrent act." He expressed fears for Stalzer's life and called for an urgent investigation into potential motives, including whether a family connection might be involved, according to Al Jazeera and BBC.

Stalzer, who was elected on September 28 and was set to take office on November 1, serves as a member of the center-left Social Democrats. Her situation mirrors a concerning trend of violence against politicians in Germany, with a recent study revealing that 60 percent have experienced threats or violence, highlighting a troubling political climate, as mentioned by Anadolu Agency and Los Angeles Times.