Switzerland shooting: 43-year-old man arrested after one dead, several injured

The shooting took place during an annual techno party at a horse racing track in Aarau. Following the incident, authorities launched a 24-hour manhunt to locate the suspect.

“The investigation into the exact sequence of events, the background, and the possible motive is currently underway. At this time, it is assumed that the perpetrator acted alone,” police said in a statement, as quoted by the BBC.

Around 3,500 people attended event

The annual techno party attracted around 3,500 people between 3 pm on Saturday and 2 am on Sunday.

The shooting occurred at the venue shortly after the event was scheduled to end. Authorities have not yet disclosed details about what led to the violence.

The deceased victim was identified as 22-year-old Italian woman Maria Spinelli.

Switzerland has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Europe. However, violent shootings remain relatively rare in the country.

Expressing her condolences over Spinelli’s death, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on X: “I express my deepest condolences for the death of Maria Spinelli, the young Italian woman who was a victim of the tragic shooting in Aarau.”

“My thoughts also go to the other injured individuals, among whom there are two Italian citizens, and to all the people involved in this dramatic event. We are following the developments closely through the Farnesina and our diplomatic representations, trusting in the work of the Swiss authorities to shed full light on what happened and identify those responsible,” she added.