Deadly shooting in New Zealand hours before Women's World Cup
A shooting has left two people dead in the centre of Auckland, New Zealand, hours before the city is due to open the Fifa Women's World Cup.
At 07:22 local time (19:22 GMT), chaos erupted on a construction site in Auckland's central business district. Six others, including law enforcement officers, were also wounded during the violent encounter. The gunman responsible for the heinous act was later confirmed to be deceased.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins promptly addressed the nation, asserting that this was not an act of terrorism, though the motivations behind the shooting were yet to be fully understood. Despite the tragedy, he reassured the public that the Women's World Cup would proceed as scheduled.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown provided some solace, confirming the safety and well-being of all Fifa personnel and football teams. Prior to this assurance, he had issued a warning for citizens to remain at home and avoid venturing into the city, seeking to prevent any further incidents.
Sport Minister Grant Robertson announced the deployment of additional police forces in the area to instill a sense of security and comfort in the wake of the tragic event.
The tournament itself, being jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia, has been eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide. As the ninth edition of the Women's World Cup, it holds immense significance for women's football and the nations involved.
While this dark incident has cast a shadow over the opening hours, the spirit of the game and the resilience of the hosting cities remain steadfast. The authorities are committed to investigating the tragedy thoroughly, while ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all participants and spectators during the Women's World Cup.
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