Switzerland rave shooting: One dead, five others wounded; police operation under way

One person was killed and five others were wounded in a shooting at a techno music festival in Aarau, northern Switzerland, local authorities reported Sunday. The incident, which occurred at a racecourse during the annual rave, prompted a major police operation with helicopters, rescue teams and medical personnel deployed.

The Kantonspolizei Aargau, the cantonal police force responsible for the region, confirmed the shooting took place around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, near the end of the event that had drawn approximately 3,500 attendees. Authorities said multiple gunshots were fired into the crowd, causing panic among festival-goers. Some fled to a nearby gymnasium for shelter, mistaking the gunfire for fireworks at first. A resident nearby later posted a video on social media showing deserted streets with the sound of gunshots audible in the background.

Police spokesperson Vanessa Rumpold stated that the shooting happened within a large group of people at the festival venue. The motives behind the attack remain unclear, and the identities of the shooters are not yet known. The Kantonspolizei Aargau has launched a large-scale manhunt and is actively appealing to the public for any images or footage that may help identify the suspects.

Emergency services including police, ambulances and a military helicopter responded to the scene in force. Media reports described a swift and coordinated emergency response, with rescue workers treating the wounded and securing the area. The extent of the injuries among the victims is being assessed, and authorities have not released further details about the condition of those hospitalized.

Switzerland has maintained a low rate of gun violence compared to other European countries, making incidents of this nature rare. Investigators are working to determine whether the shooting was targeted or indiscriminate. The federal Office of Justice has been informed and may assist in the ongoing investigation.

As of now, no arrests have been made, and the search for the perpetrators continues. Police urge anyone with information to come forward.

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