Police have reported that the gunman responsible for the attack in Auckland’s CBD, which resulted in two fatalities and six injuries, did not possess a gun license and had a history of family violence. The incident occurred around 7:30 am local time when the shooter repeatedly fired shots at a construction site.
The police responded swiftly, cornering the gunman inside the building at the bottom of Queen Street approximately 30 minutes later.The armed offender squad, supported by the special tactics group, located the offender in a lift shaft, where he had barricaded himself. When the police attempted to engage him, the offender fired shots, injuring an officer. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, the gunman was found dead. Two other individuals were discovered dead on the lower levels of the building site.
The injured police officer is in a stable condition and is expected to undergo surgery. Five civilians sustained moderate to serious injuries, with the possibility of more victims presenting at hospitals later.
It was revealed that the firearm used in the attack was a shotgun, which is not prohibited, but the individual did not have a firearms license, making his possession of the weapon illegal. The gunman was also known to be under a sentence of home detention, but there is no indication that he breached those conditions.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins, assured the public that the shooting was an isolated incident with no identified political or ideological motivation, hence, there is no national security risk.
Ferry services have been canceled in the area, but the Women’s World Cup opening game in Auckland will proceed as planned, with FIFA supporting the teams near the incident. The incident remains under investigation as the city and the nation grapple with the tragic events that unfolded in their midst.
