A shocking act of violence has rocked the small town of Herdecke in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, as newly-elected mayor Iris Stalzer was stabbed near her home, leaving her in critical condition. Stalzer, a member of the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), assumed office in September after winning the mayoral election. Local authorities have launched a major police operation in the area, though specific details about the incident remain undisclosed. Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack, describing it as a ‘heinous act’ and expressing deep concern for Stalzer’s life while wishing for her full recovery. The SPD has also voiced its profound shock over the assault. According to reports from Germany’s Bild newspaper, Stalzer’s two adopted children, aged 17 and 15, were inside the family home at the time of the incident, though this has yet to be officially confirmed by authorities. The attack has sparked widespread alarm, raising questions about the safety of public officials in Germany.