What Happened to Germany's Newly-Elected Mayor Iris Stalzer?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Iris Stalzer was found with critical stab wounds at her home.
- Her son discovered her after she managed to return home post-attack.
- A large police operation is underway to investigate the incident.
- Chancellor Merz has expressed his concerns and support for her recovery.
- The attack raises concerns over safety for public officials.
Berlin, Oct 7 (NationPress) In a shocking incident, a newly-elected Mayor was discovered at her residence with multiple stab wounds in Germany on Tuesday, as reported by Euro News referencing updates from the prominent German newspaper Bild.
Herdecke Mayor Iris Stalzer was found by her son suffering from several critical injuries, particularly to her stomach and back, according to Euro News.
She revealed to her son that she was assaulted by a group of men on the street and managed to return home where she was ultimately located. Law enforcement indicated that a significant operation was underway in Herdecke.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his sorrow regarding the brutal attack in Herdecke and conveyed his wishes for a swift recovery for Iris Stalzer.
"We have received reports of a grievous crime in Herdecke. It must be addressed promptly. We are deeply concerned for the well-being of Mayor-elect Iris Stalzer and pray for her full recovery. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones," Merz stated on X.
Speaking with the media, Matthias Miersch, the leader of the Social Democrats' parliamentary group in Berlin, mentioned, "We just heard moments ago that newly elected Mayor Iris Stalzer was stabbed in Herdecke. We genuinely hope she overcomes this horrific act." He added, "At this moment, we cannot provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident."
Iris Stalzer, aged 57, is affiliated with the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), which is the junior partner in Germany's conservative-led national government. She was elected as the Mayor of Herdecke on September 28, as reported by Euro News.
She is set to take office on November 1 after defeating the candidate from Merz's centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) in a runoff election. According to Stalzer's official website, she is married and the mother of two teenagers. She has dedicated most of her life to Herdecke and has a professional background as a lawyer specializing in labor law.