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Thursday, 27 September, 2001, 23:15 GMT 00:15 UK

Swiss mourn gun rampage victims


Zug relatives lighting candles
The attack has caused widespread shock
Swiss President Moritz Leuenberger has attended a church service to honour the 14 people killed when a lone gunman opened fire on the regional parliament in Zug, central Switzerland.

About 1,000 people, carrying lighted candles, took part in the ceremony which took place in one of Zug's medieval 'old town' churches. Another 300 gathered outside.



Our democracy and freedom has been put into question. I'm just so shocked I can find no more words
Swiss President Moritz Leuenberger

The gunman, who is thought to have had a grievance against local officials, opened fire with an assault rifle and tossed a grenade in the crowded state legislature before shooting himself on Thursday morning.

Friedrich Leibacher, 57, killed 14 people and wounded 14 others before committing suicide, in a country where mass shootings are unheard of.

Transport row

Police officials said that Leibacher's grievances dated back to a row with a Zug bus driver two years ago.

Swiss President Moritz Leuenberger

He subsequently began a campaign of complaints and filed numerous lawsuits against the transport department.

All of the lawsuits were dismissed - he learnt of the most recent rejection shortly before he went berserk.

"He did this purely out of revenge and fury," said local investigator Kurt Bloechlinger.

A note found alongside a cache of weapons in Leibacher's car was entitled "Day of Rage against the Zug Mafia" and in it he accused the local authorities of being a "band of criminals" and "pirates".

Security changes

Upon hearing of the attack Mr Leuenberger broke off a meeting with Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade and headed to Zug.

"Our democracy and freedom has been put into question," a choked Mr Leuenberger said. "I'm just so shocked I can find no more words."

Mr Leuenberger described the attack as "an attack on democracy".

"We were proud that until now politicians could move freely. That has been put into question by this attack," he said.

New security measures immediately introduced at government and parliament buildings in the capital Bern include metal detectors, baggage screening, identity controls and protective grills on windows - routine steps in most other countries.

But questions are now being asked about the availability of guns in Switzerland.

About 400,000 guns are kept in Swiss homes, as most men undergo yearly military service.

But up until now, mass shootings have been unheard of.


Related to this story:
Gunman kills 14 in Swiss assembly (27 Sep 01 | Europe) Eyewitness: Swiss attack horror (27 Sep 01 | Europe) Zug: Switzerland's 'offshore island' (27 Sep 01 | Europe) Switzerland and the gun (27 Sep 01 | Europe) Country profile: Switzerland (30 Jul 01 | Country profiles) Timeline: Switzerland (16 Jan 01 | Europe)


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