The shooting erupted at approximately 02:30 local time on Sunday, interrupting the annual Aarauer Rave. Police confirmed that Maria Spinelli, a 22-year-old Italian national, died at the scene. Four men and one woman, all aged between 24 and 27, were transported to hospital. Authorities noted that all victims were residents of Switzerland. In a statement, Aargau cantonal police indicated that the investigation into the exact sequence of events, the background, and the possible motive is currently underway, adding that it is assumed the perpetrator acted alone.
Witness Accounts and Immediate Response
Witnesses described a sudden disruption to the event, which had been running since 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Attendees reported hearing multiple gunshots shortly after the music stopped. Some initially mistook the sounds for fireworks, a common occurrence at such events, before being urged to take cover. One witness stated that he heard the gunshots a minute or two after the music ceased and was told to hide by another attendee, a woman who was subsequently shot. Others described seeing a “shadow” with a rifle near the parking lot moving toward the woods.
The Aarauer Rave, billed as the largest daytime rave in the district, was attended by approximately 3,500 people. The event featured British DJ Henri Bergmann and Swiss DJ Ronny Grauer, along with other local artists. Following the gunfire, attendees were rushed inside a nearby gymnasium. A video recorded by residents near the scene captured several successive bangs, while a Swiss military Super Puma helicopter was deployed over the wider Aarau area as part of the emergency response.
Investigation and Diplomatic Reaction
Police immediately launched a large-scale operation, blocking off a significant portion of the park, including the track, swimming pool, sports fields, and surrounding streets. On Sunday afternoon, the Aarau police force stated it had no leads on the perpetrator and was unsure whether the attack was committed by one individual or several. The subsequent arrest of the 43-year-old man marked a rapid progression in the case, though the specific type of firearms used and the precise motive remain undisclosed.
The incident drew immediate attention from Italian political figures. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni identified the victim on social media and expressed confidence that Swiss authorities would “shed full light on what happened and find anyone responsible.” Italy’s foreign ministry stated it was sending officials to Zurich to closely follow the investigation. Swiss President Guy Parmelin also shared his condolences to the family and relatives of the victim.
Context of Gun Violence in Switzerland
Switzerland maintains one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Europe, although violent shootings at public gatherings are rare. The country approved tighter gun control rules in 2019, aiming to regulate access to firearms more strictly. The last major mass shooting in the country occurred in 2001, when a gunman killed 14 members of the parliament and local government of Zug, near Lucerne, before taking his own life.
Aarau, a town of approximately 23,000 residents located about 40 kilometers west of Zurich, is close to the German border. Local media reported that German police were supporting Swiss forces during the initial search phase. As the investigation continues, the next confirmed legal step involves the formal judicial processing of the arrested suspect to determine the specific charges and the extent of his involvement in the fatal incident.
