In a tragic incident, a man opened fire at a high-rise construction site in downtown Auckland early Thursday morning, causing terror among workers and resulting in two fatalities. The shooting occurred just hours before New Zealand was set to host the opening game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The perpetrator was later found dead after a police shootout, during which an officer was wounded, and four civilians were injured. The incident took place near hotels where Team Norway and other teams participating in the tournament were staying.
Despite the shocking event, the New Zealand government and FIFA organizers confirmed that the tournament would proceed as scheduled. The authorities emphasized that there is no broader national security threat, attributing the shooting to the actions of a single individual.
The gunman, identified as a 24-year-old former worker at the construction site, appeared to have a motive connected to his previous employment there. He had a history of family violence and was serving a sentence of home detention, with an exemption to work at the site.
As the incident unfolded, police responded swiftly to secure the area. The shooter moved through the unfinished building, firing at people, before barricading himself in an elevator shaft. A confrontation with SWAT-type officers resulted in the suspect’s death.
The shooting deeply affected the nation, where such incidents are rare. The injured officer was taken to the hospital and is expected to undergo surgery. Several others suffered injuries of varying severity.
New Zealand’s response to gun violence has been stringent, with a ban on most semi-automatic weapons implemented in 2019. However, the shotgun used in this shooting was not on the list of banned weapons.
With the FIFA Women’s World Cup opening match scheduled for the evening, security measures have been heightened around Auckland. Teams and fans are being assured of safety as authorities investigate the tragic incident.
The people of New Zealand are left in shock and grief, and officials have expressed sympathy for those affected by this traumatic event.