A 22-year-old woman was killed and five other individuals sustained injuries in a shooting that occurred early Sunday at an outdoor rave in Aarau, Switzerland. Authorities have initiated an extensive search for those responsible, with the motives and circumstances surrounding the incident remaining unclear.
The shooting took place at the "Aarau Rave VOL. 7," held at a horse-racing track in the Schachen area of Aarau, the capital of Switzerland’s Aargau canton. Police were alerted to the incident shortly after 2:30 a.m. The rave was scheduled to conclude at 2 a.m., according to information from the organizers' website.
The deceased woman died from her injuries at the scene. Four men and another woman, all between the ages of 24 and 27, were transported to local hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to serious. All six victims are reportedly residents of Switzerland.
A large perimeter around the horse-racing track, a nearby swimming pool, and a sports field was cordoned off as police conducted their search. Authorities also increased their presence in other parts of Aarau as a precautionary measure and advised the public to avoid the area.
The response involved police officers, firefighters, and multiple emergency medical services. A cantonal disaster-response unit, a special police unit, and a Swiss military helicopter were also deployed. Police in neighboring Germany are assisting in the search efforts as part of ongoing cross-border cooperation.
Investigators have appealed to the public for any videos or photographs from the event and have established an information line for relatives and eyewitnesses. Police stated that their investigation and search operation are ongoing.
Swiss DJ Tekibo, who performed at the rave, shared on Instagram that the event was "absolutely heartbreaking" and that raves should be spaces of freedom and safety. He also indicated the loss of an "important friend," though it was not clear whom he was referring to.