Gunman Kills Two In New Zealand Hours Before First Game At 2023 Women’s World Cup

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A man stormed a high-rise construction site in downtown Auckland early Thursday morning, shooting at workers and killing two people hours before New Zealand host the first game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament.

According to Associated Press (AP) the gunman was found dead after a police shootout, during which an officer was shot and wounded. Four civilians were also injured.

fans gathered in New Zealand for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which the country is hosting jointly with Australia. The opening match is scheduled to be played in Auckland on Thursday evening, between New Zealand and Norway. Hipkins said he was considering whether he’d attend the match as planned.

Officials at Eden Park, where the opening match of the FIFA tournament is taking place, said they were encouraging ticket holders to arrive early and there would be an increased security presence at the venue.

New Zealand has tight gun laws, imposed in 2019 after the country’s worst mass shooting prompted a sea change in attitudes toward guns.

A shooter killed 51 Muslim worshippers at two Christchurch mosques during Friday prayers in March 2019.

The opening match will be contested between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park, Auckland, on 20 July 2023.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who are based in Melbourne, Australia, will take on Olympic champions Canada in their opening game on Friday, July 21, at 3:30am (Nigerian time).

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