Three deaths in factory shooting prompt debate on Swiss gun laws

Three people, including the suspected assailant, have been killed in a shooting at a factory near the Swiss city of Lucerne.

Three people, including the suspected assailant, have been killed in a shooting at a factory near the Swiss city of Lucerne.

Seven others were injured in the attack which happened just after 9am at a wood- processing company in Menz- nau, west of Lucerne, police said in a statement yesterday.

Last month, a gunman killed three women and injured two men in the Swiss village of Daillon, stirring a debate about Switzerland’s firearm laws that allow men to keep guns after their mandatory military service.

Estimates indicate that at least one in three of Switzerland’s 8 million inhabitants keeps a gun, many at home. Citizens outside the military can apply for a permit to purchase up to three weapons from the age of 18.

Sharp-shooting and hunting are popular sports in Switzerland.

In 2011 most Swiss citizens rejected a proposal for extra measures such as lock-ups for guns outside service periods.

– (Reuters)

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter