A shooting in Auckland, New Zealand, left at least three dead and six injured. Authorities detailed that the attacker is among the deceased. The incident occurred hours before the city hosted the opening match of the Women's World Cup.
At least two people as well as an armed attacker were killed in a shootout in Auckland, New Zealand, hours before the city was due to host the opening match of the Women’s soccer World Cup https://t.co/byscm4YXu5 pic.twitter.com/BPrEa2J8NX
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 20, 2023
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins assured that there is no danger to national security. To ensure the safety of the tournament and the population, additional police officers were deployed following the incident. FIFA issued a statement condemning the shooting. The international federation sent its condolences to the families of the victims and explained that it is in permanent contact with New Zealand authorities, and the tournament will go ahead as planned.
"FIFA has been informed that this was an isolated incident that was not related to football operations and the opening match tonight at Eden Park will proceed as planned," the soccer organization detailed in a statement on Twitter.
FIFA has also been in constant contact with the participating teams affected by this incident.
FIFA has been informed that this was an isolated incident that was not related to football operations and the opening match tonight at Eden Park will proceed as planned... (3/4)
— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) July 20, 2023
Hours before FIFA Women's World Cup's opening ceremony, a gunman killed two people and injured six others in downtown Auckland.
"There is no wider national security threat," New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins tells a press conference https://t.co/UIBSqUEVPf pic.twitter.com/T8RaJgkMIe
— Bloomberg TV (@BloombergTV) July 20, 2023
