Aarau Public Event Shooting Leaves One Dead, Five Wounded As Police Launch Manhunt For Gunman

Aarau, Switzerland— Gunfire erupted at a nighttime public event in Aarau on October 20, 2026, killing one person and leaving five others injured, as police launched a major search for the gunman across the city.

The shooting happened around 11:40 p.m. during a local autumn festival in the city center, near the Rathausgasse area. The event had drawn several hundred people. Witnesses said an argument between two groups escalated, then a man pulled a handgun and fired multiple times into the crowd.

A 24-year-old man died at the scene from gunshot wounds to the chest. Five others, aged 19 to 32, were injured, two critically. They were taken to hospitals in Aarau and Baden. Doctors said the injuries included abdominal and leg wounds.

Panic spread instantly. People ran toward alleys and shops. Festival stalls were knocked over. Police officers already on site for crowd control responded within seconds but the shooter had fled on foot.

"We heard four or five shots, very fast. Then screaming," a stall operator told The Local. "Everyone dropped to the ground. Then everyone ran."

Aargau cantonal police cordoned off a wide perimeter and deployed special units with search dogs. Helicopters with thermal cameras circled the old town. Trains through Aarau station were briefly halted while officers checked platforms.

Police said the suspect is described as a male, 20 to 30 years old, wearing a dark hooded jacket. The weapon has not been recovered. Investigators are reviewing CCTV from the festival and surrounding businesses.

The motive is not yet clear. Police have not ruled out a personal dispute that escalated. No evidence of a terrorist link has been found, according to an initial statement.

The prosecutor's office has opened a homicide investigation. Residents were told to avoid the area and report any suspicious persons.

The search continued into the early morning with no arrest confirmed.