Bürgermeister of Herdecke Seriously Injured in Suspected Knife Attack by Daughter

The newly elected mayor of Herdecke, Iris Stalzer, was hospitalized with serious injuries following a knife attack that took place in her residence. According to investigative authorities, her 17-year-old daughter is currently under suspicion in connection with the incident.

Authorities in Hagen reported that the mayor, a 57-year-old legal professional, identified her teenage daughter as the suspected assailant. Preliminary findings suggest that the attack occurred during a family dispute, though the exact motivation behind the incident remains unclear. Investigators noted that the injured mayor was able to call for emergency assistance herself, which has been considered in the legal assessment of the case.

Despite the severity of the injuries, which included multiple stab wounds to the upper body, the mayor is now considered to be out of immediate danger following emergency medical treatment. She was found by emergency responders in the living area of her home and transported to a nearby hospital for intensive care.

In addition to the daughter, a 15-year-old son, also adopted by the mayor, is under review by authorities. Both teenagers, reportedly known to police prior to this event, were temporarily taken into custody. The precise involvement of the son--whether as a witness or as an accomplice--is still under investigation. Both minors had been residing in the same household with the mayor in Herdecke.

The crime scene was identified in the basement of the family home, after which the injured mayor apparently moved to the ground floor where she was eventually discovered by emergency services. Two knives believed to have been used in the incident have been secured as evidence by police investigators.

Law enforcement officials have stated that there is currently no indication of a political motive behind the attack. The head of the homicide division and the public prosecutor have each highlighted the familial context and noted that, as the suspect herself initiated the emergency call, authorities are proceeding with caution regarding charges. The legal classification at this stage is considered to be grievous bodily harm rather than attempted homicide.

Both minors remain in the care of police and are expected to be transferred to the local youth welfare office. Neither of the teenagers has yet provided formal statements to investigators.

The incident has prompted widespread concern among local and national political figures, many of whom have expressed shock and support for the mayor and her family. The mayor's official term was scheduled to begin in early November, but the current situation leaves the future of her duties uncertain as her recovery progresses.

Law enforcement continues to collect evidence at the family home, with a dedicated homicide team overseeing the investigation. Authorities are working to clarify the sequence of events and fully establish the roles of all involved parties, with further updates expected as the case develops.