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Swiss Rave Gunman Arrested After Deadly Aarau Attack

Police recovered multiple firearms and are continuing forensic work as investigators seek to establish motive and the suspect’s state of mind.

Police stand next to barricade tape near the site of a deadly shooting at a rave party, according to the police, at Schachen in Aarau, Switzerland, August 30, 2026. REUTERS/Romina Amato/ File Photo
Well-wishers left flowers, notes and candles at the entrance to the Schachen racecourse following the deadly shooting

Overview

  • Gunfire broke out at an annual rave at the Aarau racecourse on Sunday, killing a 22-year-old Italian woman and wounding several other partygoers.
  • A 43-year-old Swiss man handed himself in to police in Delemont on Monday and was arrested; officers found an AK-style rifle and two pistols in his car and say at least two weapons were fired.
  • Authorities say the attacker fired about 40 rounds into a crowd of more than 100 people and that they believe he acted alone.
  • Reporting diverged at Wednesday’s briefings, with Reuters citing police that the suspect admitted responsibility when he surrendered, while prosecutors told AFP he has remained silent in custody and suffers from psychological problems.
  • Swiss investigators have appealed for photos and video from attendees, are analysing shell casings and weapons to reconstruct the sequence of events, and expect the probe to inform questions of motive, public safety and event security.