Overview

• Stalzer, 57, was attacked around midday outside her residence in Herdecke near Dortmund, then dragged herself inside where her teenage children called for help.
• She was airlifted to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, with local outlets reporting multiple stab wounds and some citing up to 13.
• Police say the motive is unconfirmed and the inquiry is open in all directions as forensic teams process the home and surrounding area.
• According to the initial account relayed by her son, the attacker or attackers were several men, and authorities have issued alerts to locate potential suspects.
• National figures, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz and leaders of the SPD, condemned the violence; Stalzer won the late-September runoff and was due to take office in early November.