Two killed in shooting in New Zealand

Police have started their investigation and asked people to avoid the area.

Police have responded to reports of a serious incident on Quay St, Auckland CBD this morning.

A large number of armed police are currently responding and the public is being asked to please stay indoors and avoid the area.

Additional information will be provided when available.

– New Zealand Police (@nzpolice)
July 19, 2023

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown told local broadcaster RNZ it was difficult to know exactly what happened, but he was receiving regular updates from police.

“It’s a terrible thing in our city at a time when the whole world is watching us about football,” he said.

The 2023 Women’s Soccer World Cup kicks off this Thursday afternoon (local time) in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland. The incident, in fact, occurred very close to the hotel where the Norwegian national team was concentrated, which was playing its opening match against its New Zealand hosts, AP reported.

“We always felt safe,” Norway captain Naren Mjelde said in a statement. “FIFA has a good security system at the hotel and our team has our own security officer. Everyone is calm and we are preparing normally for tonight’s match.”

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has canceled a trip to Hamilton and is preparing a press conference on the situation.

More information shortly