3 dead in Auckland shooting ahead of Women's WC kick-off
What's the story
At least two individuals and an armed attacker were killed and five others were injured in a shooting incident on Thursday in Auckland, New Zealand.
This shooting comes just hours before the opening match of the 2023 Women's FIFA World Cup.
Auckland has welcomed several international players and tourists for the ninth Women's World Cup, which Australia and New Zealand are co-hosting.
Details
Police provide details on Auckland shootingf
Per Police Commissioner Andrew Coster, the gunman hasn't been formally identified but is believed to be a 24-year-old man employed at the construction site where the shooting happened.
The accused was armed with a pump-action shotgun and moved through a building site shooting.
Upon reaching the upper-levels, he reportedly contained himself inside an elevator shaft and kept shooting before being found dead shortly after.
More details
New Zealand PM reacts to Auckland shooting
Speaking about the development, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins stated that the tournament would proceed as planned and clarified that the shooting appeared to be the actions of an individual.
"There was no identified political or ideological motivation for the shooting, and therefore no national security risk," news agency Reuters quoted Hipkins as saying during a media briefing.
Twitter Post
Visuals from Auckland shooting site
BREAKING: Multiple people killed in Auckland, New Zealand mass shooting - NZHerald pic.twitter.com/COuI0A8IPl
— BNO News (@BNONews) July 19, 2023
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Can't remember anything like this ever happening here: Auckland mayor
On the other hand, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown stated that all FIFA personnel and the football teams are safe and accounted for.
"I can't remember anything like this ever happening in our beautiful city. This morning's events have been tragic and distressing for all Aucklanders, as this is not something that we are used to," the Auckland mayor tweeted.
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Twitter post by mayor Brown
What we know is that this is an isolated incident. This appears to be the act of one individual, this was not a threat to national security, nor was it in any way related to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Event. 2/3
— Mayor Wayne Brown (@MayorWayneBrown) July 20, 2023
Further information
Here's what Norway's Mjelde said ahead of kick-off against NZ
Ahead of Norway's opening-day match against the Kiwis, Norwegian skipper Maren Mjelde said her teammates were awakened by a helicopter hovering outside their hotel.
"We felt safe the whole time," PTI quoted Mjelde saying.
"FIFA has a good security system at the hotel, and we have our own security officer in the squad. We are preparing as normal for the game tonight," she added.
Further details
FIFA releases statement after Auckland shooting
Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and General Secretary Fatma Samoura stated in a release that they were in constant contact with the participating nations and local authorities amid the shooting.
In a statement, the footballing body added that they were "informed that this is an isolated incident that was not related to football operations, and the opening match will proceed as planned."
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FIFA's response ahead of Women's WC kick-off
FIFA Statement: Incident in Auckland, New Zealand
— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) July 20, 2023
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... (1/4)