On July 20, a tragic incident unfolded in downtown Auckland, New Zealand, as a 24-year-old gunman stormed a high-rise construction site, resulting in the shooting and killing of two people, AP News reported. The incident occurred just as the nation was preparing to host games for the FIFA Women's World Cup tournament.
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The shooter, who had previously worked at the building site, seemed to be motivated by issues related to his work there. He was armed with a pump-action shotgun, despite not having a gun licence, and had a history of family violence. The swift response of the police, who arrived within minutes of the first emergency call, resulted in a shootout during which the shooter was found dead. However, an officer was injured in the exchange of fire, and four civilians were also injured during the ordeal.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins assured the public that there was no wider national security threat and confirmed that the tournament would proceed as planned, after speaking with FIFA organisers. Despite the tragic event, the government did not find any indication of a broader danger. It was emphasised that this attack appeared to be the act of a lone individual with no known affiliations to larger organisations.
The incident occurred in close proximity to hotels where teams participating in the Women's World Cup, including Team Norway, were staying. Fortunately, all the players and staff from various teams were accounted for and deemed safe. Soccer teams and fans had gathered in New Zealand for the highly anticipated tournament, with the opening match scheduled between New Zealand and Norway.
The police commissioner revealed that the gunman had a history of family violence and was serving a sentence of home detention but had an exemption to work at the construction site. The shooter began firing at around 7:20 a.m. and proceeded to move through the building, shooting at terrified workers. He eventually barricaded himself in an elevator shaft, where a police SWAT team confronted him after securing the surrounding floors.
The incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and enhanced security measures, especially during high-profile events like the Women's World Cup. New Zealand had previously taken steps to address gun violence, banning assault weapons in 2019 following the tragic mass shooting in Christchurch, where 51 people lost their lives.
Authorities expressed sympathy and support for those affected by the shooting, recognizing the traumatic nature of the event. The injured officer, as well as other victims with varying degrees of injuries, received medical attention, and the officer was expected to undergo surgery.
Eden Park, the venue for the opening match, assured ticket holders of an increased security presence to ensure safety. However, due to the severity of the incident, Tourism New Zealand had to cancel a media welcome party planned within the cordoned-off area.
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