Shooting at rave in Aarau: one dead, suspect surrenders in Delémont
A man fired more than 40 times into a crowd at a rave in Aarau – a woman died and six others were injured. The suspect surrendered to police in Delémont.
Shooting in Aarau: suspect turns himself in after massive manhunt pressure
The suspected gunman who killed a woman and injured six others at a rave in Aarau over the weekend has surrendered to police in Delémont, according to SRF. He is said to have fired more than 40 times into the crowd – using two pistols and a Kalashnikov.
State prosecutor Christoph Rüedi explained at a subsequent press conference by Aargau authorities that there were indications the perpetrator had been psychologically unstable. Documentation of this was not yet available: "We will need to request this properly in criminal proceedings," said Rüedi. The accused exercised his right to remain silent.
Weapons acquired around 20 years ago
The question remains open as to how the man could possess the weapons despite alleged psychological illness. Aargau cantonal police explained that he had acquired the firearms around 20 years ago. Under current firearms law, such purchases would likely no longer be possible today. According to SRF, this raises questions about the so-called grandfather clause in Swiss firearms law.
Regarding the police operation, there was discussion: a journalist pointed to witness statements indicating it took up to half an hour before the scene was secured. Police commander Schildknecht contradicted this and emphasised that officers had been on site "within minutes".
Manhunt pressure from multiple cantons
The SRF correspondent for Aargau and Solothurn cantons characterised the surrender in Delémont as a manhunt success, even though the accused had taken the initiative. The massive operation involving officers from several police forces likely prompted the man to turn himself in to authorities. Aargau cantonal police stated they had been close behind the suspect.
The motive for the attack remains unclear. Investigations are ongoing and the state prosecutor's office has opened proceedings.
Source: SRF