WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — A gunman killed two people before dying Thursday at a construction site in Auckland, New Zealand, as the nation prepared to host games in the Women’s World Cup soccer tournament in FIFA, officials said.
Police said there were also multiple injuries during the incident, which took place near the hotel where the Norway team was staying.
Acting Police Superintendent Sunny Patel said the man started shooting at the site on lower Queen Street around 7:20 am Police invaded the area and closed off the streets.
Patel said the man walked through the building and shot at the people who were there.
“Upon reaching the upper levels of the building, the male restrained himself within the elevator shaft and our staff attempted to engage him,” Patel said in a statement. “More shots were fired from the man and he was located dead a short time later.”
It was not immediately clear if police shot the attacker or if he committed suicide.
Patel said that while alarming, the incident was isolated and did not pose a national security risk.
The incident comes as many soccer teams were gathering in New Zealand for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The opening match is scheduled for Thursday between New Zealand and Norway.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins canceled a planned trip to the city of Hamilton and was preparing to brief the media on the situation.
Norway’s team captain, Maren Mjelde, said people woke up quickly when a helicopter began to hover over the hotel window.
“We felt safe all the time,” he said in a statement. “FIFA has a good security system in the hotel and we have our own security officer in the team. Everyone seems calm and we are preparing normally for tonight’s game.”
