Two folks have been killed in a taking pictures in Auckland, New Zealand, simply hours earlier than the FIFA Ladies’s World Cup kicks off within the metropolis.
Police stated the gunman additionally died following the rampage at a development web site, near a lodge the place members of Norway’s workforce have been staying.
Officers stated the person opened hearth at round 7.20am and moved his means via a constructing, till he was cornered by police in an elevator shaft on its higher flooring.
It was unclear if he was shot by police or killed himself.
“A number of accidents” had been additionally reported.
Norway captain Maren Mjelde stated folks had been woken by the sound of a helicopter hovering outdoors the workforce’s lodge.
She stated: “We felt protected the entire time.
“FIFA has a very good safety system on the lodge, and we now have our personal safety officer within the squad. Everybody appears calm and we’re getting ready as regular for the sport tonight.”
New Zealand Prime Minster Chris Hipkins stated there was “no wider safety menace” and vowed that the event would go forward as deliberate.
He instructed reporters: “Clearly with the FIFA World Cup kicking off this night, there are numerous eyes on Auckland.
“The federal government has spoken to FIFA organizers this morning and the event will proceed as deliberate. I wish to reiterate that there isn’t any wider nationwide safety menace. This seems to be the motion of 1 particular person.”
Appearing Police Superintendent Sunny Patel stated: “Upon reaching the higher ranges of the constructing, the male has contained himself throughout the elevator shaft and our employees have tried to have interaction with him.
“Additional photographs had been fired from the male and he was positioned deceased a short while later.”
Police additionally described the taking pictures as “remoted”.
An investigation into what occurred has been launched.
It comes as New Zealand and Norway are set to open the tournament on Thursday at Auckland’s Eden Park stadium.
The match kicks off at 7pm native time, which is 8am UK time.