Overview

• Stalzer, 57, was found gravely wounded and was evacuated by helicopter after emergency treatment, according to German media and officials.
• Regional broadcaster WDR reports she was attacked with a knife near her home and managed to crawl back inside despite severe injuries.
• Bild reports she suffered multiple wounds to the abdomen and back and that her two adopted children alerted police, with the son saying several men assaulted her; these details have not been officially confirmed.
• SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch publicly confirmed the attack, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he fears for her life and denounced the violence.
• Stalzer won the September 28 mayoral election in Herdecke with 52.2% of the vote and was scheduled to take office in early November.