Two people die: rampage near Nati World Cup opponents’ team hotel

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A gunman opened fire at a construction site in Auckland, New Zealand, killing at least two people. The shooter himself also died, the police reported Thursday morning. Other people were injured.

The incident happened in the business center of the metropolis, not far from the fan base of the Women’s World Cup, which takes place in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20. FIFA announced that the opening match in the largest city in the Pacific state would take place on Thursday as scheduled. New Zealand will play against Norway at Auckland’s Eden Park (starting at 9am Swiss time).

The Scandinavians in turn, who play against Switzerland next Tuesday, were awakened by a police action near their team hotel. “We felt safe all the time. FIFA has a good security system in the hotel and we have our own security guard in the team,” explains captain Maren Mjelde (33). Normally they would prepare for the opening game against New Zealand.

Schütze entrenched himself in the shaft

The gunman first moved through the building under construction and fired more shots. He eventually retreated to an elevator shaft, Police Inspector Sunny Patel said. Local officials tried to communicate with the man. But he fired more shots and was found dead a short time later.

“The events are understandably alarming and we assure the public that this incident is under control and is an isolated incident,” Patel said in a statement. It’s not a national security risk.

police officers injured

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins expressed “great concern” following the incident. Six other people were injured, including police officers, the prime minister said, adding: “I want to thank the brave men and women of the New Zealand Police who ran into the firing line in the midst of danger to save the lives of others.”

The motive for the crime was initially unclear. According to the prime minister, the police have so far been unable to discover any ideological or political motivation. Apparently it was the act of an individual. Hipkins later wanted to visit the Auckland scene.

FIFA has expressed its “deepest condolences” to the families of the victims. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura were in contact with New Zealand authorities immediately after the incident. Several teams that were close to the crime scene are all doing well, New Zealand’s Sports Minister Grant Robertson said. (SDA/neo)

Source : Blick