Auckland, New Zealand, was struck by a shocking and deadly shooting - leaving three dead - just hours before the highly anticipated opening game of the Women's World Cup on Thursday.
The incident unfolded at 07:22 (19:22 GMT) on a construction site in the city's central business district, leaving six people, including police officers, injured, and the gunman dead.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed that the attack is not being considered an act of terrorism and asserted that the tournament would proceed as planned. While the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, the authorities have successfully neutralized the threat, ensuring there is no ongoing risk to the public.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown clarified that the shooting was in no way related to the Women's World Cup, relieving any concerns about the safety of the sporting event. The police reported that they received reports of a person discharging a firearm inside the construction site, and the gunman proceeded to move through the building while continuing to fire.
At least two people and an armed attacker were killed and five others wounded in a shooting in Auckland, New Zealand, hours ahead of the opening match of the Women's soccer World Cup in the city https://t.co/byscm4YXu5 pic.twitter.com/nKoeO7tZ7G
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 20, 2023
Efforts to engage with the perpetrator took place when he went into a lift shaft, but further shots were fired before he was eventually found dead a short time later, according to the police's statement. In the aftermath of the shooting, a significant armed police presence was visible in the central business district, not far from the waterfront and the fan park.
Tatjana Haenni, the chief sporting director for the National Women's Soccer League USA, was present close to the location where the tragic event occurred.
Despite the somber turn of events, the Women's World Cup will continue as planned, and authorities are ensuring that adequate measures are in place to maintain the safety and security of all involved.
Fifa released a statement saying it had been "in constant contact with the participating teams affected by this incident".
"Fifa extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following the incident which occurred this morning in Auckland, New Zealand, and our thoughts and prayers remain with those who have been injured in this tragic incident," the Fifa statement said.
New Zealand went on to face Sweden in their World Cup opening game following the incident, and they walked away with a 1-0 win. This was the first ever FIFA World Cup win in both the men's and women's tournaments.
WE'VE DONE IT!!!!!!! 🔥🌿
OUR FIRST EVER WIN AT A @FIFAWWC 🏆#NZL #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/SzuejPySG3— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) July 20, 2023
New Zealand's next match will be against the Philippines next Tuesday, 25 July.
