New Zealand: Two killed in shooting in Auckland

AUCKLAND (Reuters) – At least two people have been killed and six others injured in a shooting in Auckland, New Zealand, officials said on Thursday, with the attacker also dead.

The incident happened hours before the start of the opening match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is scheduled to take place at Eden Park, Auckland’s main stadium.

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said the competition would go ahead as planned, adding that it appeared the shooter acted alone.

“No political or ideological motive has been identified, therefore there is no national security threat,” he told a news conference.

According to Auckland Police, the assailant in the building under construction was armed with a firearm.

Several roads have been closed in New Zealand’s largest city. Ferries were stopped and buses were diverted to cross the city.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said in a statement, “It appears to have been the act of a single individual. There is no threat to national security and this incident has no relation to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

(Reporting by Renju Jose and Pravin Menon in Sydney; French edition by Camille Renaud)