Germany's Mayor Seriously Wounded in Stabbing Attack, Authorities Report
A newly-elected municipal leader in Germany's western region has been attacked with a knife and left critically injured near her home, police say.
The official, 57 years old, is a affiliate of the centre-left Social Democratic party (SPD) and assumed the mayoral role of Herdecke in the North-Rhine Westphalia state in last month.
Area law enforcement report a major operation is in progress in the community. Investigators say every possibility is being checked, but they are not ruling out a domestic link.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz censured what he called "a terrible crime", stating: "We are concerned about the survival of the newly elected mayor, the victim, and hope for a full recovery."
The SPD said its members were deeply shocked by the attack.
Officials say her two children - a daughter, 17, and a teenage boy - contacted emergency services to authorities at noon (11:00 British time).
The children were subsequently removed for interviewing and evidence collection. A journalist present observed a teenager entering a police patrol car.
During the summer, there was an incident of domestic violence in the household, which was recorded by the police, insiders said.
- Mayor stabbed at residence
- Severe injuries confirmed
- Police investigation examines domestic angles
- Minors made emergency call
