A newly elected mayor in Germany is battling for her life after a violent stabbing attack near her residence. Iris Stalzer, 57, was chosen as the mayor of Herdecke on September 28th and is set to assume office on November 1st. She was discovered with severe injuries inside her apartment by her 15-year-old adopted son, who reported multiple stab wounds to her abdomen and back. Stalzer was airlifted to a hospital for emergency care and remains in critical condition.

Police detained the teenager, who claimed his mother was attacked outside their home by “several men on the street.” The boy was taken into custody wearing an evidence-preserving overall and questioned alongside his 17-year-old adopted sister, who was present during the incident. Der Spiegel reported that the sister had previously been involved in a domestic violence case within the household, where she used a knife against Stalzer earlier this summer.

Authorities have not confirmed a motive for the attack but stated their investigation is examining all possibilities, including potential family involvement. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed shock over the incident, calling it an “abominable act” and urging swift clarification. The city administration of Herdecke described the event as a source of “shock and disbelief.”

Police emphasized that no theory has been ruled out in the ongoing inquiry.