2 Killed in New Zealand Shooting as World Cup Is Set to Begin

At least two individuals had been killed and several other others injured after a gunman stormed a constructing underneath building within the New Zealand metropolis of Auckland early Thursday, the police stated, hours earlier than the primary soccer match of the Women’s World Cup was scheduled to start close by.

A male gunman was additionally killed, the police stated in a publish on Twitter.

A volley of gunshots was first heard by passers-by about 8:10 a.m. native time as commuters traveled throughout the rush hour. Armed law enforcement officials and autos swarmed the realm, and the authorities shut down a part of town, in what the police described as a “significant incident.”

The episode occurred as groups from New Zealand and Norway had been set to play at Eden Park Stadium, about three miles from the location of the capturing. Several World Cup groups and lots of followers are staying in Auckland’s central enterprise district, and the capturing was stated to have occurred very near Team Norway’s lodge.

The United States workforce, which can play its first sport right here in opposition to Vietnam in two days, can be staying within the space.

“Regarding the incident in downtown Auckland, all of our USWNT players and staff are accounted for and safe,” U.S. Soccer stated in an announcement, referring to the acronym for United States Women’s National Team. “Our security team is in communication with local authorities and we are proceeding with our daily schedule.”

A motive for the capturing and different particulars weren’t instantly accessible. The police stated an armed man had entered a high-rise constructing on decrease Queen Street and went ground by ground whereas capturing.

“Upon reaching the upper levels of the building, the male has contained himself within the elevator shaft and our staff have attempted to engage with him,” the police stated. “Further shots were fired from the male and he was located deceased a short time later.”

The mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown, stated in a publish on Twitter: “This is a scary situation for Aucklanders on their Thursday morning commute to work. Please stay at home, avoid travel into the city centre.”

Later, the New Zealand Police stated in a publish on Twitter that the incident had been “contained to a building in lower Queen Street, which is under construction.”

Andrew Das contributed reporting.