A shooting incident occurred at a rave in the northern Swiss canton of Aargau, resulting in one fatality and five injuries early Sunday, as confirmed by local police and media sources. Authorities are actively seeking a suspect in connection with the incident.
Police stated on X that the search for the perpetrator is ongoing, with motives and specific details surrounding the crime remaining unclear. A 22-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries at the scene, while four men and one woman, aged between 24 and 27, were hospitalized with varying degrees of injuries.
All the victims are Swiss residents, and their identities have not been disclosed in adherence to Swiss privacy regulations. The shooting took place during the Aarau Rave VOL. 7 event at the Schachen horse racing track in the canton’s capital, Aarau, which is located 46 kilometers west of Zurich.
Following the incident, a significant police presence was observed, with a manhunt launched for the suspect. Local residents were advised to avoid the area, and emergency services were promptly deployed to the scene. Additionally, authorities from Freiburg, Germany, participated in the search efforts.
Eyewitnesses initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks, according to Swiss newspaper Blick. The shooting occurred immediately after the rave concluded, prompting police to relocate remaining attendees to a nearby gym for safety. Authorities have urged anyone with videos or photos of the incident to come forward.
The Aargau Racing Club, responsible for managing the venue, expressed profound shock over the tragic event and extended condolences to those impacted. Swiss DJ Tekibo, who performed at the rave, expressed sadness over the incident on social media, emphasizing that such violence contradicts the essence of techno events meant for freedom and safety.
Aarau, home to approximately 22,300 residents, is situated around 30 kilometers south of the German border.