Wellington (EFE)
The event occurred at 7:23 a.m. local time (19:23 GMT on Wednesday) at a construction site in the central area of the city, when the attacker entered a building and opened fire, according to the Police.
“It is with deep regret that I can confirm that two people have been killed,” New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said in a statement carried by local media.
Police confirmed shortly after that the assailant also died in the attack, bringing the death toll to three.
The death toll in Auckland
At least six other individuals were injured, including a police officer, and were taken to Auckland Hospital. Three of them are in serious condition.
The shooting occurred hours before the start of the opening ceremony of the 2023 World Cup in New Zealand and Australia. To which various personalities and authorities will attend, and the first match of the tournament, when the New Zealand co-hosts will receive Norway.
According to Hipkins, the authorities have assessed that it is not a “threat to the security of New Zealand” and that the tournament “will take place as planned”.
The two oceanic nations will host the great World Cup event between Thursday and August 20, in which, for the first time in history, a total of 32 women’s national teams will compete.
FIFA expresses its condolences
FIFA expressed its “deep condolences” for the three killed and six injured during a shooting in the city of Auckland.
“FIFA expresses its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following the incident that occurred this morning in Auckland and our thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured in this tragic incident,” the world football’s highest body said in a statement.
The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, and the general secretary, Fatma Samoura, have been in communication with the authorities and “constant contact” with the affected teams, the statement from the sports entity highlights.
“FIFA has been informed that this is an isolated incident that is not related to football operations and that tonight’s opening match at (the stadium) Eden Park will take place as planned,” the agency stressed.
Australia and New Zealand will host the great World Cup event between Thursday and August 20, in which, for the first time in history, a total of 32 women’s national teams will compete.