GENEVA (AP) — A shooting at a rave in the northern Swiss canton of Aargau left one person dead and five injured early Sunday, according to local police and media reports. Police are searching for potentially more than one suspect.
Aargau cantonal police reported that a 22-year-old woman died from her injuries at the scene. Four men and one woman, aged between 24 and 27, were taken to the hospital with injuries ranging from minor to severe. All victims are residents of Switzerland, but the police did not release their names due to Swiss privacy laws.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni identified the deceased woman and two other victims as Italian citizens on Sunday evening. "I express my deepest condolences for the death of Maria Spinelli, the young Italian woman who was a victim of the tragic shooting in Aarau, Switzerland," she stated on X, identifying the deceased by name. She also expressed her thoughts for the other injured individuals, including two Italian citizens, and expressed trust in the Swiss authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly.
Earlier on Sunday, during a press briefing, Aargau police stated that all available forces were involved in the search for the suspect or suspects. "The manhunt is continuing nonstop at full speed," police spokesperson Bernhard Graser told reporters. He noted that there was no information yet regarding possible motives. When asked if a terrorist attack was a possibility, Graser indicated that the timing of the shooting, as the rave was winding down, suggested otherwise, stating that a fight could also be a possibility.
Public shootings are rare in Switzerland, despite a relatively high rate of gun ownership. Graser remarked, "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."
Authorities were alerted to the shooting around 2:30 a.m. local time in Aarau, which is located 46 kilometers (29 miles) west of Zurich. The "Aarau Rave VOL. 7" was taking place at the horse racing track in Aarau's Schachen district, according to Swiss public broadcaster SRF. The fire department cordoned off a large area around the site.
A major police operation was ongoing on Sunday afternoon, and locals were advised to stay away from the area being searched by investigators for possible links to the crime. Officers, firefighters, and ambulances were present in large numbers. Police in Freiburg, Germany, also participated in the search for the suspect, as reported by the German news agency dpa.
"Right now, virtually the entire Aargau police force is out on the streets," Graser stated, adding that there was no information on the whereabouts of the suspect or suspects, but police had ruled out the possibility that they could pose an ongoing threat.
Swiss daily Blick reported that attendees at the rave initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks until someone shouted for everyone to get down. The shooting reportedly occurred right after the event concluded. Police later transported the remaining attendees to a nearby gym, where many were interrogated, according to Graser.
Police are requesting any witnesses with videos or photos to share them with investigators. The Aargau Racing Club, which operates the horse racing track, expressed shock at the shooting, stating, "We extend our deepest sympathy to all those affected and their families, who are facing this difficult and trying situation. 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, expressed his sorrow on Instagram, stating, "What happened at Aarauer rave is absolutely heartbreaking. Techno and raves are supposed to be a place for freedom and safety, never a place where something like this happens."
Aarau has a population of about 22,300 residents and is located approximately 30 km (18 miles) south of the German border.