Two killed, gunman dead in Auckland shooting ahead of Women's World Cup

A gunman has killed two people in New Zealand's largest city of Auckland, hours before the opening match of the Women's World Cup soccer tournament.

The man opened fire at a construction site at around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday. Police have confirmed that the shooter is dead. Authorities say at least six people were injured.

New Zealand will play Norway in the opening game later on Thursday at a stadium about 4 kilometers from the shooting site. The surrounding area was cordoned off after the incident.

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said at a news conference that there was no national security threat and the tournament would go ahead as planned.

He also said the safety of New Zealanders and visitors is the first priority.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230720_11/