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Suspect Arrested After Shooting Kills One at Swiss Rave

Published Sep 2, 2026 By Matt White
Suspect Arrested After Shooting Kills One at Swiss Rave

Image via edm.com

TL;DR

A 43-year-old man has been arrested following a shooting at the Aarauer Rave in Switzerland that killed a 22-year-old Italian woman and wounded five others. The attack occurred around 2:30 AM Sunday at the annual techno event, which drew roughly 3,500 attendees. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, and investigators believe a single perpetrator was involved.

“At this stage, it is assumed that a single perpetrator was involved”

“A rave should always be a place of joy and love”

Swiss authorities have arrested a 43-year-old man in connection with a shooting that killed one person and wounded five others at the Aarauer Rave, an annual techno event held at the Schachen horse-racing track in Aarau, outside Zurich.

Attack During Weekend Event

Roughly 3,500 people attended the event, which ran from Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning. Witnesses reported that gunfire broke out around 2:30 AM as the rave was winding down, with several attendees initially mistaking the shots for fireworks, according to the BBC.

A young woman died at the scene. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni identified her as Maria Spinelli, a 22-year-old Italian national. Four men and one woman, all residents of Switzerland, were hospitalized with injuries ranging from minor to severe, police said.

Cross-Border Manhunt Leads to Arrest

The shooting triggered a manhunt that stretched across the border, with police in Germany joining the search. Aargau authorities said they had detained a suspect on strong suspicion of committing the crime. "At this stage, it is assumed that a single perpetrator was involved," the department said, though investigators have not yet disclosed a motive.

Swiss DJ Tekibo, who performed at the event, wrote on Instagram that the attack was "absolutely heartbreaking," adding that he had lost someone close to him. Organizers said on the event's website that they were devastated. "A rave should always be a place of joy and love," they wrote.

Matt White

Matt White

EDM Source Editor

Reporting on the latest in the electronic dance music community with verified accuracy.

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