Swiss Police Hunt Gunman After Deadly Rave Shooting

A manhunt is under way after a shooting at a rave in northern Switzerland left a 22-year-old woman dead and five other people injured, police said.

The woman died at the scene in Aarau, near Zurich, the Aargau Cantonal Police said. The injured group includes four men and a woman, all aged between 24 and 27. Police said they are being treated in hospital for injuries described as ranging from minor to severe.

Shooting During Night-Time Rave

Police said the incident happened at an event at a horse racing track in Aarau, where a techno rave was ongoing into the early hours of Sunday.

The force said the identity of the perpetrator and any possible motives were not known, adding that the “exact circumstances” of the shooting remained unclear. Officers were alerted at about 02:30 local time, according to local media.

Swiss DJ Tekibo, who said he was performing at the annual techno event, told followers that he had lost a friend in the incident. Writing on Instagram, he said he was “still trying to process what happened”.

Police Cordons And Search Operations

Authorities asked witnesses to provide photographs and video from the scene.

A cordoned area has been set up around the racing track, as well as near the town’s swimming pool and sports field, with members of the public urged to stay away. Police also said a large contingent of officers had been deployed beyond Aarau “as a precaution”.

An AFP journalist reported seeing armed officers stationed on a highway as far as 30km (18 miles) from the shooting site.

German media reported that police on the German side were supporting the Swiss investigation while the manhunt continues.

Images from Aarau early on Sunday showed a heavy police presence, including an armoured vehicle blocking a road. Armed officers and personnel in riot gear were also seen patrolling the streets.

Emergency Response And Event Plans

Regional disaster response personnel (KKE) were deployed, broadcaster SRF reported, along with a Swiss Army helicopter that was seen surveying the area in the early hours.

Aargau Racing Club said the rave had been “overshadowed by a serious incident” and thanked emergency services for their response.

According to the organisers’ website, the event had been expected to draw up to 3,500 attendees.

Gun Violence Rare, Controls Tighter

Switzerland has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Europe, though violent shootings are rare. Tighter firearm controls have been introduced in recent years.

Police have not released details about the investigation’s progress or when the cordons will be lifted.

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30 August 2026

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