Featured Image Credit: Buda Mendes/Getty Images. SAEED KHAN/Getty Images
Topics: New Zealand, News
Stewart Perrie
Topics: New Zealand, News
Security at the Women's World Cup will be heightened in New Zealand after a gunman launched an attack in Auckland.
A 24-year-old man opened fire at a construction site and then barricaded himself inside, according to the ABC.
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said the attacker made his way through the site while offloading several shots.
"At around 8am our armed offenders squad supported by the special tactics group located the offender inside a lift shaft where he had barricaded himself and attempted to engage him, having secured the floors above and below," he said,
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"The offender fired at police and injured an officer. Shots were exchanged and the offender was later found deceased."
Two people were killed, as well as the gunman, and six people were injured, including a police officer.
Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown told News Channel it was a shocking incident.
"It is a very sad day for Auckland and I am shocked and saddened by the events that occurred downtown this morning," he said.
"We are not used to this sort of stuff; I can't ever remember anything like this happening in the city.
"It is tragic and distressing for all Aucklanders and it is something we're not used to here."
The shooting happened just as the Women's World Cup was set to kick off in New Zealand and Australia tonight.
The Kiwi team will face off against Norway at Eden Park and today's tragedy as led tournament organizers to increase security, according to the Associated Press.
Norway's captain Maren Mjelde said they felt safe as the attack was unfolding and praised FIFA and the team's personal security for making them feel comfortable.
"Everyone seems calm and we are preparing as normal for the game tonight," she added.
The team is staying not too far away from where the shooting took place, however they are now turning their attention to the World Cup.