Newly elected German Mayor survives stabbing by 17-year-old daughter

A newly elected German mayor survived multiple stab wounds in a family attack.

Iris Stalzer, 57, mayor of Herdecke, western Germany, was seriously wounded at home on Tuesday. Initially reported as life-threatening, authorities confirmed her condition is now stable.

Emergency services were called shortly after midday by Stalzer’s 17-year-old daughter, who claimed her mother had been attacked outside in a robbery. Police found Stalzer inside with multiple stab wounds and discovered two knives and clothing linked to the attack. Her teenage son, 15, was also detained.

Police investigators said Stalzer identified her daughter as the attacker.

The motive remains under investigation, though previous domestic violence reports involving the daughter and mother had been made earlier this year. Prosecutors are treating the case as bodily harm and plan to release the children to youth welfare authorities.

The attack drew swift condemnation from Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other officials, though no political motive was found.

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