Swiss police announced the arrest of a 43-year-old Swiss man suspected of carrying out a shooting at the Aarauer Rave, a techno event held at the Schachen racecourse in Aarau. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, when gunfire erupted on the sidelines of the covered horse‑track venue. A 22-year‑old Italian woman was killed and five other attendees – four men and one woman aged between 24 and 27 – were taken to hospital with injuries ranging from minor to severe.
Authorities launched a large‑scale operation and, just before 1 a.m. on Monday, detained the suspect on suspicion of the attack. Police in the canton of Aargau said investigations into the circumstances, background and possible motive are ongoing, and that current evidence points to a single perpetrator. Investigators are examining three potential motives: a mass shooting, an act of terrorism, or an unknown criminal motive. Ballistic analysis revealed two calibres of ammunition at the scene, suggesting a pistol and a larger weapon, possibly an assault rifle.
Witnesses reported hearing repeated shots around 2:35 a.m., with some initially mistaking the noise for fireworks before seeking cover beneath the DJ booth. Swiss DJ Tekibo, who was performing, described the event as “absolutely heartbreaking” on Instagram, emphasizing that raves are meant to be safe spaces.
Switzerland maintains one of the highest civilian gun‑ownership rates in Europe, about 27 firearms per 100 residents, yet violent shootings remain rare. All victims are Swiss residents, and their identities have not been released in accordance with local privacy laws.
