A manhunt has been launched after a 22‑year‑old Italian woman was killed and five others injured in a shooting at a techno rave at the Schachen horse‑race track in Aarau, Switzerland, early Sunday morning.
The incident, which occurred around 02:30 local time, was reported by the Aarau cantonal police who said no leading evidence existed on who was responsible. A body was found at the scene and the victim was identified as Maria Spinelli. Six people, ranging from teenagers to young adults, received treatment for injuries from minor to severe.
Italian leaders voiced confidence that Swiss authorities would provide full transparency and find the perpetrator. Giorgia Meloni, the country’s prime minister, stated she expected a thorough investigation. Italy’s foreign ministry is dispatching officials to Zurich to observe the proceedings and two other injured Italians have returned home.
The organisers of the rave, Agency Events AG, confirmed that a large crowd of up to 3,500 people had been expecting the event. The venue is located about 46 kilometers west of Zurich. Police reports include armed officers in riot gear patrolling the streets and a Swiss Army helicopter surveying the area in the early hours.
Witnesses described hearing gunshots minutes after the music stopped, mistaking the sounds for fireworks at first. Encouraged to remain hidden, at least one person was shot before the police arrived. In response, regional authorities cordoned off the area around the racetrack, a swimming pool and sports field, urging the public to keep away.
The shooting is the most serious in Switzerland in 25 years, with the last major incident occurring in 2001 when a gunman murdered 14 members of a local government body and then committed suicide. Switzerland has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Europe but has introduced stricter controls in recent years. Police are maintaining a strong force at the scene, holding the site, and monitoring surrounding towns for any new information.
Police and emergency services continue to investigate while the community watches closely for any updates on the suspect’s whereabouts.
