Zug,29.09.2014

Canton commemorates victims of 2001 attack

The victims of the attack of 27 September 2001 were commemorated with a church service and the ringing of church bells on Saturday. On that day in 2001, a heavily armed man stormed into the parliament chamber and caused a bloodbath.
 
A public ecumenical service was held in the Church of St. Oswald on the morning of Memorial Day. The government council stated that this was intended as "a sign of appreciation of the victims and sympathy for all those affected".
 
Church bells throughout the canton were rung at noon, flags were flown at half-mast from government buildings. The graves of those killed and the memorial at the government buildings were also specially decorated.
 
This commemoration will also take place annually in the coming years, stated the government council.  It should be a reminder to later generations that the state and the community in general do not tolerate violence.
 
On that day in September 13 years ago, Friedrich Leibacher forced his way into the parliament chamber during the Cantonal Council meeting. He shot 14 people and injured 15 others, some of them seriously. The assassin then shot himself.