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A tragic shooting at a rave in Switzerland has left one woman dead and five others injured, prompting a massive manhunt for the perpetrators. The incident occurred at a techno rave held at a horse racing track in Aarau, a town located just west of Zurich.
The deceased woman, identified as an Italian national, was pronounced dead at the scene. The injured victims, aged between 24 and 27, are currently receiving treatment in hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to severe. The Italian Embassy in Bern and the Consulate in Zurich are actively monitoring the situation, offering support to the victim's family.
At a press conference on Sunday afternoon, police spokesman Bernhard Graser confirmed that there was no information regarding the identity of the shooter(s) or their motive. Graser added that the suspects are no longer believed to be in Aarau.
Organizers and performers described the shooting as occurring immediately following a set by a DJ. The incident was initially mistaken for fireworks by some attendees. DJ Tekibo, who lost a friend in the shooting, expressed his shock and disbelief on Instagram, stating that he is still trying to process what happened.
Olivier Grein, the owner of Agency Events AG, which organized the event, expressed his shock and solidarity with the affected families. He said the company is "shaken" and will do everything in its power to support the police investigation.
An eyewitness recounted hearing gunshots shortly after the music stopped at 02:30 local time. He described being told to hide by a man and a woman, with the latter being shot. The area around the racing track, the town's swimming pool, and sports field has been cordoned off, and the public has been advised to stay away.
A significant police presence has been deployed in the area, with armed officers seen on the streets and an armored vehicle blocking a road. The Aargau Cantonal Police reported that a contingent of officers has been deployed beyond Aarau as a precaution. AFP journalists reported seeing armed officers deployed up to 30km from the site of the shooting.
The small town of Aarau, with a population of approximately 23,000, is less than 40km from the border with Germany, where local media reported that police were supporting Swiss forces. Images from Aarau early on Sunday showed a heavy police presence, including officers in riot gear and an armoured vehicle.
In addition to police and fire officials, the regional disaster response unit (KKE) was deployed, according to broadcaster SRF. A Swiss Army helicopter was also seen surveying the area in the early hours.
Switzerland has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Europe, though violent shootings are rare. Tighter controls on firearms were introduced in recent years. The incident in Aarau has raised concerns about safety at such events, especially given the large crowds and the potential for chaos.
The BBC has reported that the police are urging witnesses to submit photographs and video from the scene to aid in their investigation. As of now, the manhunt continues, and the public is advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
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