Fatal Shooting in Aarau: One Dead, Five Injured
Suspects Remain at Large – Police Investigate Three Possible Scenarios
A night that began as a techno party ended with deadly violence: Multiple shots were fired at the horse racing track in Aarau's Schachen on Sunday night. A 22-year-old woman died, and five other people were injured. The perpetrators remain unidentified. Investigators are pursuing three possible scenarios.
In Aarau, investigations are in full swing following the fatal shooting at the Schachen horse racing track. A 22-year-old woman, an Italian resident in Switzerland, succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Five other people were injured. These include four men and one woman aged between 24 and 27. Currently, none of them are in critical condition.
Police assume the victims are random victims. There is currently no indication that the deceased woman or the injured were targeted.
The Shots Were Fired After the Rave Ended
The crime scene was the grounds of the Aargau Racing Club in Schachen, where the «Aarau Rave VOL. 7» took place. Organizers had expected approximately 2500 attendees.
The event was scheduled from Saturday until 2 AM on Sunday. The shots were fired shortly after 2:30 AM – at a time when the rave had already ended and, according to police estimates, about one hundred people were still on the premises.
More than one hundred attendees were questioned by police in a gymnasium after the incident. Investigators aimed to gather as many clues as possible regarding the sequence of events.
A witness reported that the music stopped around 2:30 AM. Shortly after, several bangs were heard. Some initially thought it was fireworks or firecrackers. Only when other attendees warned of gunfire was the danger recognized. This account comes from an eyewitness and needs to be reconciled with further findings by investigators.
Multiple Shots in Two Locations
According to current findings, shots were fired not just in one spot. The Aargau Cantonal Police announced that shots were fired in two different locations in Schachen.
Investigators assume a larger number of shots. Shell casings of two different calibers were found at the crime scene. These include pistol ammunition and ammunition from a long gun, such as an assault rifle.
What exactly happened between the shots remains under investigation. Specifically, it is not clear whether one or multiple individuals fired the shots.
Three Scenarios Under Investigation
The motive remains unknown. Authorities are currently pursuing three hypotheses:
- a terrorist attack
- a rampage shooting
- a criminal act, such as a dispute or settlement within criminal circles
None of these hypotheses have been confirmed so far. The police emphasize that this does not mean they assume a terrorist attack or a rampage shooting. Rather, various possible explanations are being investigated as long as the background of the act remains unclear.
It is precisely for this reason that it is important not to present a political motive or a connection to organized crime as fact at this time.
Suspects Remain at Large
There is still no trace of the alleged shooters. The Aargau Cantonal Police are conducting a nationwide manhunt. It is not yet known whether it is a single person or multiple perpetrators.
According to police assessment, the perpetrators are no longer in Aarau. At the same time, authorities assume that there is no further danger to the public. The manhunt continues nonetheless.
German police are also involved in the search. According to authorities, this is standard cross-border police cooperation.
Large-Scale Operation Lasted Well into Sunday
Immediately after the report was received, numerous police forces from the Canton of Aargau were deployed. They were supported by emergency services from other cantons.
The deployed forces included the Cantonal Police, rescue services, the Cantonal Disaster Response Element, and the Argus special unit. A Swiss Army Super Puma helicopter was also deployed.
Police extensively secured the area and conducted checks. The cordoned-off area on Sunday was primarily used for securing evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Authorities Warn Against Speculation
The case quickly triggered numerous rumors on social networks. Especially during an ongoing manhunt, such reports can complicate investigations or lead to false suspicions against uninvolved parties.
Currently confirmed facts include the crime scene, the gunshots, the number of victims, the two different types of ammunition, and the three lines of investigation mentioned by the police.
However, who fired the shots and why remains unknown.
Police ask anyone with photos or videos of the incident to provide them to investigators. An information hotline has been set up for relatives and witnesses: 062 835 62 62.
Italy Also Reacts
The deceased victim is an Italian national. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis therefore spoke by phone with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani and expressed his condolences to the Italian government.
Italy intends to support the Swiss authorities in assisting the relatives and in the course of the investigations. Representatives of the Italian Embassy in Bern and a liaison officer of the Italian State Police are to be active on site.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed her condolences.
'A Rave Should Be a Place of Joy'
Organizers and participating DJs also reacted with shock. The organizers described the events as shocking, stating that a rave should be a place of joy and love.
The City of Aarau and the Canton of Aargau expressed their sympathy to the victims and their families.
Federal Councillor Beat Jans called the shooting «unacceptable.» The Federal Office of Police (Fedpol) was called upon for support.
What is Now Crucial
Investigators must now reconstruct the exact sequence of events. Crucial factors include evidence at the crime scene, found shell casings, video footage, and statements from numerous witnesses.
Answers to central questions are still missing: Who were the shooters? Was it one or more perpetrators? Why were shots fired? And how did six people get hit?
Police have not yet conclusively answered any of these questions.
What is certain, however, is that: A young woman is dead, five people were injured, and the alleged perpetrators are still at large. Investigations are ongoing nationwide.
JournalPlus is monitoring the investigation and will update this report as soon as police or the public prosecutor's office release new confirmed findings.
