Two people were killed when a gunman opened fire in Auckland, New Zealand, just hours before the commencement of the Women’s World Cup.
Two people were murdered and several others were injured when a shooter opened fire on a construction site in Auckland’s business center soon after 7 a.m. on Thursday. At the scene, the shooter was also pronounced dead.
Three persons were critically hurt, according to the city’s ambulance service, while three others received minor injuries.
The Women’s World Cup is set to begin at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, at 7 p.m. local time on Thursday.
The incident happened around 7.22am local time (8.22pm Wednesday UK time), near the FIFA fan zone in Auckland’s business sector, along Queen Street and Quay Street. The shooter rushed a construction site teeming with people. According to police, the perpetrator proceeded through the premises while firing his handgun and was discovered dead a short time later.
The police have assured the public that the crisis has been contained and is a one-time occurrence. They stated that the incident poses no threat to national security.
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown told TV network TVNZ: “This dreadful situation couldn’t have come at a worse time when the world has its eyes on us. It’s dreadful, particularly since we have never had an incident like this before.
“I understand the shooter is dead, but no one is absolutely sure about that. It’s very scary.”
The USWNT camp is headquartered in Auckland, and a team spokeswoman confirmed that all party members are safe and well.
The shooting occurred just hours before New Zealand’s tournament opener versus Norway at Eden Park, roughly a 20-minute train ride from the scene of the shooting.
