Shooting at Swiss rave leaves one dead, five wounded
A shooting at a techno rave in the northern Swiss city of Aarau early Sunday left one person dead and five others wounded, some seriously, according to the Aargau Cantonal Police. The police said on social media platform X that a "manhunt" for the "unknown perpetrators" was underway, adding that the motive and exact circumstances of the incident remain unclear.
The incident occurred in the Schachen district of Aarau during a party at the city's horse racing track, which was hosting the annual Aarauer Rave. According to Swiss newspaper Blick, the shots were fired before 3:00 m. local time (0100 GMT). The newspaper quoted police spokeswoman Vanessa Rumpold as saying that the shooting occurred at the racecourse. "Several shots were fired within a large group of people," she said, as cited by Blick.
Police operation and public response
A large contingent of the Aargau Cantonal Police was deployed, and police presence was also stepped up beyond Aarau as a precaution. The Cantonal Police had earlier said that a major operation was ongoing and asked people to stay away from the area. The Aarau Swimming Pool was ordered to remain closed until further notice, with police reiterating on X: "Due to the ongoing major police operation, Aarau Swimming Pool will remain closed until further notice. Visitors are requested to stay away from Aarau Schachen."
Police are appealing to the public to share any videos or images of the incident. The police's initial statement on X read: "Aarau: Nighttime shots at event in Schachen. Several victims. Major police operation underway. Stay away from the area. More info to follow."
According to Blick, a video captured the sound of multiple gunshots at around 2:35 , though the footage could not be independently verified. The Times of India reported that an Army Super Puma helicopter was also deployed to the scene, citing BRK News.
Witness account and uncertain details
The Hindu, citing local media, reported that one witness reported "bursts of gunfire." The Jerusalem Post, citing Swiss newspaper Blik, reported that a partygoer said people initially believed the first shots were fireworks. "We noticed that there was a shooting when someone yelled: 'Everyone down,'" the partygoer told Blik, adding that his group had to hide under the DJ booth. The outlet also reported that, according to a witness, one person was killed and a partygoer attempted to resuscitate a victim. Blik reported three fatal victims and four shooters present, though these details have not been confirmed by police.
The Aargau Cantonal Police could currently only confirm "several shots being fired at a large group of people," according to Blick. Police said it was not immediately clear who fired the shots, and official victim numbers have not been released by authorities beyond the initial reports.
Background
Aarau is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Zurich. The annual techno party, which drew some 3,500 attendees between 3 m. Saturday and 2 m. Sunday, was held at the racecourse where the shooting occurred.
This is a developing story.