The newly elected politician was fighting for her life after her son found her suffering from stab wounds. She said several men attacked her in the street.

13:49, Tue, Oct 7, 2025 Updated: 13:52, Tue, Oct 7, 2025

Germany Stabbing (25280435174778)live

Emergency services stand next to a rescue helicopter in Germany. (Image: AP)

The newly elected mayor of Herdecke, Germany, was fighting for her life after being attacked and stabbed by several men in the street. Iris Stalzer was found seriously injured by her son at her apartment, according to German media. Upon discovering her with 13 stab wounds in her stomach and back, she reportedly told him she had been attacked in the street.

There is currently a large police presence in front of Stalzer's house while she remains in critical condition, Bild newspaper reports. Stalzer, a member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SDP), was elected in a runoff election on September 28. Investigators believe the motive to be personal rather than political, German media reports.

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4 mins ago13:49 Rebecca Robinson

Iris Stalzer pictured

Iris Statler remains in critical condition after being stabbed 13 times just 10 days after winning the mayoral election.

Iris Stalzer

Iris Stalzer has been stabbed 13 times. (Image: -)

8 mins ago13:45 Rebecca Robinson

Mayor won election just 10 days ago

Stalzer womn the mayoral election on September 28 with 52.2% of the vote after running against Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) candidate Fabian Haas. Voter turnout was around 48%.

She wrote on Instagram after the victory: "Thank you to everyone who voted and supported me, who fought this campaign with me and stood by my side. Without you, this wouldn't have been possible!"

14 mins ago13:39 Rebecca Robinson

Urgent manhunt launched

Hagen police are said to have launched a manhunt as it remains unclear who attacked the mayor.

It's also not yet known whether there was just one assailant or multiple.

17 mins ago13:36 Rebecca Robinson

Mayor stabbed 13 times

Iris Stalzer was found by her son with 13 stab wounds to her chest and abdomen.

He discovered her in her apartment, but reportedly said the attack happened on the street.

Stalzer remains in critical condition.

19 mins ago13:34 Matthew Dooley

Chancellor Friedrich Merz comments on attack

Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the "abominable" attack in a post on social media, offering his thoughts to her loved ones.

He wrote on X: "We have received a message about an abominable act from Herdecke. It must now be swiftly clarified.

"We are anxious about the life of the designated mayor, Iris Stalzer, and hope for her complete recovery. My thoughts are with her family and her relatives."

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