In the heart of Auckland, New Zealand, a shooting incident tragically claimed the lives of two individuals just hours before the scheduled opening of the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
Additionally, six others, including police officers, were injured in the incident, which took place at 07:22 local time on a construction site in the city’s central business district.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins assured the public that the attack was not considered an act of terrorism. Despite the unfortunate event, he confirmed that the Women’s World Cup would proceed as planned.
While the motive behind the attack has not been established as political or ideological, authorities have neutralized the threat, and the public can rest assured that there is no ongoing risk.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown emphasized that the shooting was unrelated to the Women’s World Cup in any way.
The gunman, identified as 24-year-old Matu Tangi Matua Reid, was armed with a pump-action shotgun and caused panic as he rampaged through the construction site.
He was known to the police and had a history of family violence and mental health issues. Despite being under a home detention order, he had an exemption to work at the site, although he did not possess a firearm license.
Prime Minister Hipkins expressed gratitude towards the courageous men and women of the New Zealand police who risked their lives and confronted the gunfire to protect others from harm.
“These kinds of situations move fast and the actions of those who risk their lives to save others are nothing short of heroic”.
All Fifa personnel and football teams are safe and have been accounted for. Earlier, he had warned people to stay home and avoid travelling into the city, Mr Brown said.
“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,” Mr Brown wrote on Twitter.
Fifa expressed its “deepest condolences” to the victims’ families and said it was in communication with New Zealand authorities.
“The participating teams in close proximity to this incident are being supported in relation to any impact that may have taken place,” it said.
The opening match between New Zealand and Norway in the city’s Eden Park got under way at 19:00 local time (07:00 GMT).
Sport Minister Grant Robertson announced the deployment of additional police in the area to provide reassurance after a shooting incident.
The Women’s World Cup, which is the ninth edition, is jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
Police received reports of a person discharging a firearm inside a construction site, leading to the gunman moving through the building while continuing to fire shots.
The situation escalated when the perpetrator entered a lift shaft, and authorities attempted to engage with him. During the confrontation, the man fired further shots before he was eventually found dead a short time later.
In response to the shooting, a significant armed police presence was evident in the central business district, which is in proximity to the waterfront and fan park.
Tatjana Haenni, the chief sporting director for the National Women’s Soccer League USA, was staying close to the shooting location.
She recounted waking up to the sounds of police cars arriving and being advised to remain indoors. Haenni expressed feeling safe despite the unsettling incident.