Gunman who killed two in Auckland was being monitored for domestic violence – latest

National soccer teams have begun issuing reports on the safety of players and staff, following a shooting in Auckland just hours before the start of the Women’s World Cup.

Ahead of the opening match between host New Zealand and opponent Norway in Auckland, a gunman was found dead after killing two people and injuring many others in the city on Thursday (July 20).

The shooting took place at a construction site in the Auckland city centre.

Officials say the tournament will go ahead as planned.

Two people were killed and several injured in a shooting Thursday morning in Auckland, New Zealand, according to authorities.

“At this time we can confirm that two people have died,” Auckland Police said in a statement. “The male offender has also passed away.”

The shooting took place on Thursday at a construction site in Auckland city center on lower Queen Street, according to the police.

“The offender moved through the construction site and continued to fire his firearm. Upon reaching the upper levels of the building, the man restrained himself within the elevator shaft and our staff attempted to engage him,” police said in a statement.

More details in our full story.

New Zealand police have confirmed that at least five people, including a police officer, were injured during a shooting in central Auckland on Thursday.

“Police can confirm that one officer was injured, as well as four members of the public at this stage,” the officials said in a statement on Twitter. “The police officer was transported to the hospital in critical condition, but we can report that his condition has stabilized.”

Authorities are reacting to the shooting that took place Thursday morning at a construction site in Auckland, New Zealand.

“Like all Kiwis, I have been following the dire situation that unfolded in downtown Auckland this morning. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those killed and injured, and all who have been affected by this tragedy,” said Christopher Luxon, leader of the National Party, wrote on Twitter Thursday.

“I want to recognize the bravery of the police and thank them and all the first responders for their commitment on the front lines,” he added. “We will know more as the day goes on, but for now we must do what New Zealanders do best – come together and support the people who have been affected by this terrible incident.”

Doug Emhoff, husband of US Vice President Kamala Harris, is among the dignitaries traveling to New Zealand for the opening of the Women’s World Cup on Thursday.

New details have emerged about the man behind the Thursday morning shooting in Auckland, New Zealand, which killed two people and injured at least six others.

The perpetrator, who also died in the shooting, was reportedly a 24-year-old in home detention on domestic violence charges and subject to electronic monitoring, according to The New Zealand Herald.

He had previously been sentenced to five months’ house arrest on charges of impeding breathing, injuring with intent to injure, intentional harm and male assault on women.

Downtown Auckland was on high alert Thursday morning after a gunman killed two people and wounded six others in a shooting at a building under construction.

The photos captured a large police presence around the Queen Street building where the shooting took place, as well as near the downtown hotels where the Women’s World Cup teams are staying.

As police services swarm central Auckland after a shooting on Thursday morning, increased security is affecting some of the teams at the upcoming Women’s World Cup.

Training for the Italian team has been delayed because their players cannot leave their hotel, Reuters reports.

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said on Thursday that the Women’s World Cup tournament would go ahead as planned, despite the shooting in downtown Auckland.

“Clearly, with the FIFA World Cup kicking off tonight, there are a lot of eyes on Auckland,” Hipkins said on Thursday. “The government spoke with the FIFA organizers this morning and the tournament will go ahead as planned. I want to reiterate that there is no broader threat to national security. This appears to be the action of an individual.”

National soccer teams have begun issuing reports on the safety of players and staff, following a shooting in Auckland just hours before the start of the Women’s World Cup.

The shooting took place at a construction site in the Auckland city centre.

New Zealand Football issued a statement on social media, writing: “New Zealand Football is shocked by the incident in Auckland CBD this morning. We can confirm that all Football Ferns team and staff are safe, but we will not be able to comment further while details still emerge.

alex pattle reports for the independent.