Women's World Cup proceeds as planned despite fatal shooting in host city

The Women's World Cup will proceed as planned despite a fatal shooting near the stadium which hosted the opening match. 

Police have confirmed the occurrence of what they described as "a serious incident" at a construction site in central Auckland this morning (July 20) at approximately 7am local time, with two people confirmed dead and multiple people injured. 

The incident reportedly occurred in a building in lower Queen Street, approximately six minutes away from Eden Park which held the opening game between New Zealand and Norway earlier today. 

The shooting is not believed to be related to the World Cup. 

Investigating police continue to urge people to stay clear of the cordon at the lower part of Queen Street. 

According to a statement issued by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster, police received multiple emergency calls at 7.22am with reports of a person discharging a firearm. 

Police reportedly entered the building within 10 minutes, and an Armed Offenders Squad and a Special Tactics Group located the offender inside a lift shaft where he had barricaded himself. 

They attempted to engage with him but the offender fired at police, injuring an officer. 

Police can confirm an officer has been injured, as well as four members of the public at this stage.

The Police officer was transported to hospital in a critical condition, but we can advise his condition has stabilised. pic.twitter.com/dXjxKiOhTZ

— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) July 20, 2023

The offender - believed to be 24 years old - was later located deceased, and police also located two deceased members of the public.  

Four other members of the public have injuries ranging from moderate to more serious. 

Coster stated, "I am extending my condolences and sympathies to the families, friends and colleagues of those who were killed in today’s shooting event in central city Auckland.

"Their lives have been irrevocably affected by this tragic event and our thoughts are very much with them today." 

He confirmed there will be an increased police presence in the Auckland CBD area to reassure the public. 

Coster stated, "We are satisfied there is no ongoing risk to the public and no reason why the tournament should not proceed – the matches are safe to attend.

"Again, I want to acknowledge this has been a shocking and traumatic event for those people who came to work and found themselves in the middle of an armed emergency.

"Thankfully many people were able to escape the building, but I know that for those who hid or remained trapped in the building, this was a terrifying experience.

"I want to acknowledge the bravery of our staff who walk towards danger to keep the public safe. I’m very proud of their actions today." 

The Irish Embassy in New Zealand tweeted following news of the shooting and stated, "We are closely monitoring the situation in Auckland. We advise that any Irish citizens should follow the instructions of the local authorities."

We are closely monitoring the situation in Auckland. We advise that any Irish citizens should follow the instructions of the local authorities.

— IrelandinNZ (@IrelandinNZ) July 19, 2023

Australia v Ireland game (taking place at Stadium Australia) began today at 8pm local time and 11am Irish time with over 80,000 people in attendance.