A shooting at a building in central Auckland, New Zealand’s second city, left three people dead, including the suspected shooter, on Thursday, the opening day of the Women’s Soccer World Cup, which will take place as scheduled, have announced the New Zealand authorities.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said there was no threat to national security and said the World Cup, hosted jointly by New Zealand and Australia, would start on Thursday as foreseen.
The US national team, which is currently staying in Auckland, said in a statement that all of its players and staff were safe and sound.
During the shooting, which also left several injured, “the perpetrator moved around the building” shooting “with his firearm”, said acting police commissioner Sunny Patel.
“Upon reaching the upper levels of the building, the man locked himself in the elevator shaft and our staff attempted to engage him,” he added. “Further shots were fired by the man and he was found deceased a short time later,” he added.
Police said two deaths have been confirmed at this stage, besides that of the attacker. She also reported numerous injuries.
Officers responded in “significant” numbers to the shooting and cordoned off the area, added police, who also deployed a helicopter.
“What happened is obviously alarming and we reassure the public that the situation has been brought under control and this is an isolated incident,” the officer said.
The police asked the public to stay away during the investigation.