Two people were killed in a gunman attack in Auckland, New Zealand, hours before the start of the FIFA Women's World Cup. The attacker also died in police firing. BBC news.
The incident happened on Thursday (July 20) in the morning local time of the country. Six other people, including a police officer, were injured in the gun attack.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hopkins said the attack was not an act of terrorism. He also said that the FIFA Women's World Cup will go ahead as planned.
The Prime Minister said that no political or ideological motive could be identified for the attack.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said all FIFA staff and the football team were safe. The opening match will be played at the city's Eden Park between New Zealand and Norway.
The country's police said in a statement that the gun attack took place in a building under construction on Thursday morning. The assailant also opened fire while walking through the building, it said. At that time the police also fired back at him. The assailant was found dead within moments.
Women's World Cup football is jointly starting in New Zealand and Australia from today. This year's Women's World Cup will begin with the 'A' group match at Auckland's Eden Park. Such an accident before that happened.