Swiss gunman dead after killing 14 on rampage

A gunman who disguised himself as a policeman before shooting 14 people in a Swiss Government building is dead.

A gunman who disguised himself as a policeman before shooting 14 people in a Swiss Government building is dead.

It is understood the governor and two other members of Zug regional council are among the dead.

Reports are being filed that the gunman, who had a personal grievance against the council, was carrying an Army issue automatic gun and a pump-action model.

"The man strode through the whole floor, shooting at people," reporter Dominik Hertach said.

Mr Hertach said people threw themselves to the floor amid loud screams from the injured. There was then an explosion, he said, and smoke filled the room. The force of the blast ripped doors off and shattered windows.

Police sealed off the centre of Zug, a wealthy, lakeside town near Zurich, best known within Switzerland for its low tax rate.

Viktor Schaech, who runs a kiosk near the parliament building, said he was chatting to a friend when he heard the sound of shooting.

He said: "It was complete chaos. It was absolutely awful. I'm still in shock."

Although gun ownership is widespread in Switzerland, violent crime is rare and there are only minimal controls at public buildings. Politicians rarely have police protection.

Security at Switzerland's national parliament in Bern was immediately stepped up following the incident.

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