A shooting in the center of Auckland, the most populous city in New Zealand, caused the death of three people on July 20, including the author of the shots. The authorities considered that there was no threat to national security before the opening of the Women’s World Cup.
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With RFI’s Wellington correspondent Richard Tindiller and agencies
As the Women’s World Cup opens in New Zealand on Thursday, a shooting has thrown the country into turmoil. A man broke into a building under construction in the center of the city of Auckland in the north of the country shortly after 7 in the morning (local time). He then opened fire on several people who were on different floors of the building. According to the workers, the attacker was an employee of the construction site.
The police and specialized intervention units quickly entered the building before neutralizing the attacker. Three people were killed, including the attacker, and six others were injured, including police officers. The event took place a few meters from the fan base in Auckland for the World Cup.
“The tournament will go on”
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins canceled his travel plans to address Parliament. He assured that it was an isolated incident and that it did not threaten national security. He also said the man’s motives were unknown at this time. “The threat level to New Zealand’s national security has not changed,” he said, adding that “police have neutralized the threat and are not looking for anyone else in connection” with the shooting.
“The government has held talks with the FIFA organizers and the tournament will go ahead,” he added. The opening match, which faced New Zealand and Norway (1-0), took place as scheduled. However, the authorities intend to tighten security around the World Cup.
Staff and players from the national teams currently in Auckland said they were shocked but unharmed after the shooting, despite the fact that the Norwegian team’s hotel was close to the shooting site. “New Zealand football is shocked by the incident this morning in Auckland,” the New Zealand Football Association said, confirming that all the team and staff were “safe and sound”.
