  Aims. The first relativistic solar proton event of solar cycle 25 (SC25) was
detected on 28 October 2021 by neutron monitors (NMs) on the ground and
particle detectors onboard spacecraft in the near-Earth space. This is the
first ground level enhancement (GLE) of the current cycle. A detailed
reconstruction of the NM response together with the identification of the solar
eruption that generated these particles is investigated based on in-situ and
remote-sensing measurements. Methods. In-situ proton observations from a few
MeV to $\sim$500 MeV were combined with the detection of a solar flare in soft
X-rays (SXRs), a coronal mass ejection (CME), radio bursts and extreme
ultraviolet (EUV) observations to identify the solar origin of the GLE. Timing
analysis was performed and a relation to the solar sources was outlined.
Results. GLE73 reached a maximum particle rigidity of $\sim$2.4 GV and is
associated with type III, type II, type IV radio bursts and an EUV wave. A
diversity of time profiles recorded by NMs was observed. This points to an
anisotropic nature of the event. The peak flux at E$>$10 MeV was only $\sim$30
pfu and remained at this level for several days. The release time of $\geq$1 GV
particles was found to be $\sim$15:40 UT. GLE73 had a moderately hard rigidity
spectrum at very high energies ($\gamma$ $\sim$5.5). Comparison of GLE73 to
previous GLEs with similar solar drivers is performed
