20-7-2023 (AUCKLAND) Tragedy struck central Auckland when a shooting inside a building resulted in the deaths of at least two people, with six others injured, according to New Zealand officials. The incident has raised concerns over the Women’s World Cup, scheduled to begin later in the day.
New Zealand police took to Twitter to assure the public that the shooting was an isolated incident and not a national security risk. They also confirmed that the male shooter had been killed.
CNN affiliate Newshub captured a distressing scene, showing a man covered in blood being carried away by police from the site. Ambulance personnel provided on-site treatment after gunshots were reported at the location.
Authorities reported that the incident unfolded following reports of a person firing a gun inside the building site on lower Queen Street at approximately 7:22 a.m. (local time). The male shooter continued to move through the building and discharge his firearm until he reached the upper levels, where he confined himself within the elevator shaft. Police attempted to engage with the shooter, but further shots were fired, and he was found dead shortly afterward. The details of the incident are still emerging, and updates regarding injuries and the circumstances will be provided by the police.
In the wake of the shooting, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins held a press conference in Wellington. He reassured the public that the Women’s World Cup, set to kick off later in Auckland on Thursday, would proceed as planned. Hipkins stated that the government had already communicated with FIFA organizers to ensure the tournament’s continuation despite the tragic event. He emphasized that the shooting did not pose a national security threat, describing it as the actions of an individual.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown expressed his shock over the incident and its timing, considering the global attention on the city due to the football tournament. Speaking to New Zealand public radio RNZ, Brown described the shooting as a dreadful event for Auckland.
The opening match of the Women’s World Cup, featuring New Zealand against Norway, will take place as scheduled on Thursday.
In response to the tragedy, US Soccer issued a statement extending its deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
At the scene of the shooting, a police cordon stretched two blocks wide, with numerous police cars and ambulances present.
An American tourist named Nisha, who had come to Auckland to witness the World Cup, expressed her sorrow over the incident, describing it as incredibly tragic, especially given the excitement surrounding the start of the tournament. Nisha, who preferred not to disclose her surname, expressed surprise at such an event occurring in New Zealand, a country often associated with safety.
Mass shootings are rare in New Zealand, which implemented a ban on military-style semi-automatic weapons in 2019 following the Christchurch massacre that claimed 50 lives. Then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern acknowledged the significance of this decision, giving a voice to the victims of the tragedy at two Christchurch mosques, which she described as one of the darkest days in New Zealand’s history.
