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.