Auckland shooting: 3 dead and 5 injured after an incident that occurred hours before the opening of the Women’s World Cup

[ad_1]

t

Three people, including the gunman, have been killed after a shooting in Auckland that occurred just hours before the opening of the Women’s World Cup in the city.

Police in Auckland have confirmed that three people were killed and five injured, including a police officer, after a shooter opened fire at a building in Queen Street in Auckland’s central business district Thursday morning NZ time.

Premier Chris Hepkins stated that there were no greater risks to national security following the assessment made by officials, and the tournament went ahead as scheduled after talks with FIFA.

The crowd at the Eden Park game, including Mr Hipkins, observed a minute’s silence out of respect for the victims and the emergency services involved before kick-off.

The Prime Minister said it was a day of “mixed feelings” for the New Zealanders and praised his Football Ferns team for “giving us everything we get behind”.

Read more

It comes after a 24-year-old man, who was working on a construction site inside the third floor of a building in Lower Queen Street, opened fire over an “employment-related matter” at around 7.20am on Thursday.

New Zealand police said the man forced his way through the building site, firing a rifle several times while “several workers found refuge” hidden in the building.

Officers found the shooter pinned inside a borehole around 8 am, where they “attempted to engage him”.

“Shoots were exchanged and the perpetrator was later identified as dead,” New Zealand police said.

Police have not officially identified the perpetrator, but local media reported that the man had been confined to his home following his sentencing in March on domestic violence charges.

“The victims went to work this morning as they would any other morning, but they are not going home tonight,” said Mr Hepkins.

“Their families and loved ones will feel, as will the whole country. I know we grieve with them.”

He said they were shot by two police officers and called them “New Zealand heroes”. Mr Hipkins added that “these kinds of shootings…are not uncommon here in New Zealand”.

The incident happened just hours before the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off in Auckland, with New Zealand facing hosts Norway at Eden Park in the first match after the opening ceremony on Thursday night.

“Aucklanders and observers around the world can be reassured that the police have neutralized the threat and are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident,” Hipkins said.

“The safety of New Zealanders and the safety of our visitors is our number one priority.”

The Norwegian team’s hotel is located a short distance from the shooting, which took place in the city’s tourist area near the ferry port.

Captain Marin Mageldy said the players were woken up by a helicopter flying off the field.

“We felt safe the whole time,” she said in a statement. “FIFA has a good security system in the hotel and we have our own security officer in the squad.”

Officials from Eden Park encouraged fans to get to the stadium early due to an increased security presence at the stadium.

Tourism New Zealand canceled a welcome party, scheduled for Thursday afternoon local time within the registered area, which included several hotels with participating teams.

In its own statement, FIFA said: “FIFA extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following the accident that occurred this morning in Auckland, New Zealand, and our thoughts and prayers remain with those who were injured in this tragic accident.

“FIFA has been informed that this was an isolated incident unrelated to football operations and tonight’s opening match at Eden Park will continue as planned.”

Oakland Convention on Biological Diversity

/ Getty Images

In the aftermath of the incident, New Zealand Football tweeted: “New Zealand Football is shocked by the incident at Auckland CBD this morning.

“We can confirm that all of the Football Ferns team and team are safe but we will not be able to comment further while details are still emerging.”

The US women’s team also ensured the safety of its players and staff.

The US Soccer Comms account tweeted: “In regards to the incident in downtown Oakland, all of our USWNT players and staff are accounted for and safe.

“Our security team is in contact with local authorities as we move forward with our daily schedule.”

England wrote on Twitter: “Our thoughts are with the co-hosts of the World Cup and the people of Auckland.”

The month-long, 32-team tournament will be hosted by New Zealand and Australia, with the final game taking place on August 20.

[ad_2]