Switzerland rave shooting kills woman as police hunt suspects in Aarau

A woman was killed and five people were injured after gunfire broke out at a rave in Aarau early Sunday. The rare public shooting has triggered a massive manhunt and shaken Switzerland's nightlife scene.

In Short

• Witnesses initially mistook gunfire for fireworks after the event ended
• Victims were Swiss residents aged 22 to 27, police confirmed later
• Investigators have not found a motive and are probing possible fight

One person was killed and five others were injured in a shooting at a rave in northern Switzerland early on Sunday, with police saying they were still searching for what could be more than one suspect. The incident happened in the canton of Aargau, where a major police operation continued through the day.

Police said a 22-year-old woman died of her injuries at the scene. Four men and one woman, aged between 24 and 27, were taken to hospital with injuries ranging from minor to severe. All the victims are residents of Switzerland, and their names were not released in line with Swiss privacy rules.

"The manhunt is continuing nonstop at full speed," police spokesperson Bernhard Graser told reporters on Sunday afternoon. He said police had no information yet about a possible motive. Asked whether it could have been a terrorist attack, Graser said, "the fact that the rave was already winding down suggests that's not the case. A fight could also be a possibility."

Authorities were alerted to the shooting at around 2.30 am in Aarau, the capital of Aargau, police spokesperson Pascal Wenzel told Swiss public broadcaster SRF. At the time, the event "Aarau Rave VOL. 7" was being held at the horse racing track in the Schachen district, according to SRF.

The fire department sealed off a large area around the site. A large police operation was still underway on Sunday afternoon, and residents were asked to stay away from the area being searched by investigators for possible links to the crime. Police officers, firefighters and ambulances were deployed in large numbers. According to German news agency dpa, police in Freiburg in neighbouring Germany also joined the search for the suspect.

"Right now, virtually the entire Aargau police force is out on the streets," Graser said, adding that police had no information on where the suspect or suspects might be. He said, however, that police had ruled out the possibility that they could pose a threat again.

Graser also said, "In terms of its nature, this incident is certainly unique in recent years. We don't yet know the full extent of it, but based purely on the circumstances, it is something truly extraordinary. That's why there's such a large police presence." Public shootings are rare in Switzerland despite relatively widespread gun ownership.

Swiss daily Blick reported that some people at the rave first mistook the gunshots for fireworks until someone shouted, "everyone down." The newspaper said the shooting took place just after the event ended. Graser said police later took the remaining visitors to a nearby gym, where many of them were questioned.

Police appealed to witnesses who may have videos or photographs to share them with investigators. The Aargau Racing Club, which runs the horse racing track, said on its website, "We extend our deepest sympathy to all those affected and their families, who are facing this difficult and trying situation." It added, "We would like to thank the emergency responders and all others involved who worked professionally and with dedication on the scene."

Swiss DJ Tekibo, who performed at the rave, wrote on Instagram that "what happened at Aarauer rave is absolutely heartbreaking." He added, "Techno and raves are supposed to be a place for freedom and safety, never a place where something like this happens." In all, the shooting left one woman dead, five people injured and prompted a continuing search by police in and around Aarau.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends