Two people and an armed attacker were killed, and five others injured in a shooting in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, on Thursday, just hours before the opening match of the Women’s Football World Cup in the city. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed that the tournament would proceed as planned, stating that the shooting appeared to be carried out by a single individual, and police were not searching for anyone else. Hipkins added during a televised press briefing that "there was no specific political or ideological motive for the shooting, thus there is no threat to national security."
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster stated that a police officer was injured in the shooting, along with four members of the public. Coster pointed out at a press conference that the identity of the shooter had not been officially confirmed, but it is believed that he was a 24-year-old who worked at the construction site where the shooting took place. The gunman opened fire at the construction site while ascending to the upper floors, locked himself inside the elevator shaft, and fired more shots before being found dead shortly after. Auckland has welcomed thousands of international players and tourists who came to attend the ninth edition of the Women’s Football World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
