A major police operation is underway in Aarau, near Zurich, following a shooting that resulted in the death of a 22-year-old woman and injuries to five others. The incident reportedly occurred during a rave at a horse racing track in northern Switzerland. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while the injured individuals, four men and one woman aged between 24 and 27, are currently hospitalized with injuries ranging from minor to severe.
The shooting took place overnight, with police confirming that they were alerted to the incident around 02:30 local time (01:30 BST). The identity of the shooter and the motives behind the attack remain unknown, as do the exact circumstances of the incident.
Local media reported that Swiss DJ Tekibo, who was performing at the event, described the situation as heartbreaking in an Instagram story, stating he had lost an important friend and was still processing the event.
In response to the shooting, armed officers have been deployed near the scene, and a cordon has been established around the racing track, the town's swimming pool, and sports field, with authorities urging the public to stay away. A significant number of officers have also been stationed beyond Aarau as a precaution, according to Aargau Cantonal Police. An AFP journalist observed armed officers on the highway up to 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the shooting site.
Aarau, located approximately 46 kilometers west of Zurich, has a population of around 23,000. Police have requested witnesses to submit photographs and videos from the scene. Images from early Sunday morning showed a heavy police presence, including an armored vehicle blocking a road and officers in riot gear patrolling the streets. Additionally, the regional disaster response unit (KKE) and a Swiss Army helicopter were deployed to survey the area.