Aarau shooting: 43-year-old suspect turns himself in in Jura

The commander of the Aargau cantonal police, Michael Leupold, confirmed on Wednesday at a press conference that the man arrested in the early hours of Monday is responsible for last Sunday's shooting at the Schachen racecourse in Aarau. Shortly after 2:30 a.m., at the end of a rave, the man opened fire on the crowd. A 22-year-old woman died, and six other people were injured.

He is a 43-year-old Swiss citizen living in canton Jura. He turned himself in at the police station in Delémont. He told authorities he had been in poor health for some time and provided information about the events, according to prosecutor Christoph Rüedi.

The motive is still unclear. The investigation indicates that the man acted alone. Several elements gathered so far point to psychiatric disorders, so a psychiatric assessment will be ordered. Investigators have ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack or an organised criminal act, describing it instead as a senseless act. There is currently no further danger to the public.

How the events unfolded

According to the account given by Matthias Schildknecht, head of operations, the man approached the racecourse grounds on foot, where the festival was being held, and fired around forty rounds from an assault rifle at the crowd from outside. He then headed to the parking area where he had left his car and fired an additional shot at a vehicle that was driving away.

Immediately after the shooting, a large manhunt was launched. In the first twelve hours, police carried out more than 130 interviews. Thanks to a tip from a member of the public, investigators were able to trace the suspect's car, which had Jura licence plates, and then his identity.

Three weapons were found in the vehicle, all legally registered for about twenty years: a Kalashnikov and two pistols. The man used two of them in the shooting. He faces charges of intentional homicide, causing bodily harm and violating weapons legislation.