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The four members of the public hurt in the attack suffered injuries ranging from moderate to critical, police say.
“A police critical incident investigation has been launched and as part of this we are working to understand the circumstances behind the offender’s actions,” Auckland police said in a statement.
“There are upwards of 40 witnesses who were at or around the scene and they are in the process of being spoken to as part of this investigation.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins cancelled his travel plans and addressed the media shortly after the situation was contained, offering his condolences to victims and thanking emergency services.
Hipkins said authorities believed the man was acting alone, and the threat had been contained.
“My understanding from the advice that we’ve received so far is that there was no identified political or ideological motivation for the shooting, and therefore no national security risk,” he said. “There is no change to New Zealand’s national security threat level.”
Thursday night’s FIFA Women’s World Cup match in Auckland between New Zealand and Norway is scheduled to go ahead as planned.
The New Zealand prime minister said the government had spoken to FIFA organisers on Thursday morning and the tournament would proceed.
“Clearly with the FIFA World Cup kicking off this evening, there are a lot of eyes on Auckland,” Hipkins said.
“Those watching around the world can be assured that the police have neutralised the threat.”
A number of teams were staying in hotels in Auckland’s city centre, including at least one team at a hotel around the corner from the building where the shooting occurred.
New Zealand Sport Minister Grant Robertson said team members had all been accounted for and everyone was safe.
Hipkins said he was unable to share any information about the shooter. He said police were working to confirm information and more details on the shooter’s identity would be made available as soon as possible.
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The investigation is ongoing and police have since advised the public they can enter the CBD, but urged them to avoid the cordoned-off area at the lower part of Queen Street.
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster will provide an update to the public later on Thursday morning.
“Cordons remain in place, and we are continuing to ask the public to stay away from the area as our work continues,” police said.
People working on a construction site in the city were trapped on the rooftop while the incident unfolded.
One man who was inside the building reported the gunman “looked like he was looking for someone”.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said it was a scary situation for Aucklanders on their Thursday morning commute to work.
“Please remain calm, follow the instructions of police and emergency services,” he said.
With Stuff.co.nz
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