Gun violence is rare in New Zealand, which tightened its firearm laws after a gunman killed 51 Muslim worshippers in Christchurch in 2019, the country’s worst peacetime mass shooting. “It couldn’t have come at a worse time given the world has its eyes on us now with the Fifa soccer thing,” he said. And that is very sad indeed to see another dreadful shooting with fatalities here in New Zealand,” he said.Īuckland’s mayor, Wayne Brown, told TVNZ the attack was dreadful. “I’ve been in contact with Chris this morning about that. The Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, who is to visit Wellington next week, offered condolences to Hipkins. New Zealand police lock down Auckland streets after shooting – video The Italian team’s training was delayed as players could not get out of their hotel, while the US team said all its players and staff were accounted for and safe.
The shooting took place near the Norwegian team hotel in downtown Auckland, and several players reported on social media that they were safe. Several streets in Auckland were cordoned off, all ferry services into the city cancelled, while buses running through some areas of the city were on detours. Fifa issued a statement saying it had been told the shooting was not related to football operations, so the opening match could “proceed as planned”. Police assured the public there was no continuing risk and no reason not to proceed. Hipkins said he had spoken to Fifa organisers and the tournament would go ahead as planned. The city has welcomed thousands of international players and tourists for the event, which is being co-hosted by Australia. A moment of silence was observed before the match, and players wore black arm bands in honour of those who had died in the shooting. The shooting came just hours before the opening match of the ninth Women’s World Cup at Eden Park in Auckland, which saw New Zealand, the co-host, beat Norway 1-0 in an upset. The Department of Corrections is reviewing its interactions with Reid. Hipkins said authorities were investigating how the gunman acquired a firearm and whether his behaviour suggested any red flags before the shooting.
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