Breaking News: Ahead of FIFA World Cup, Auckland CBD put on lockdown following 'active shooting' incident
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Content Warning: The following text contains descriptions of a distressing incident involving an active shooting. Reader discretion is advised.
This morning in Auckland CBD (Central Business District), an ordinary day took a disturbing turn as the area was cordoned off due to a reported active shooter incident.
A police spokesperson told the local press, 'Multiple injuries have been reported, and at this stage, we can confirm two people have died. The male offender is also deceased.'
'The offender moved through the building site discharging his firearm. Upon reaching the upper levels of the building, the male has contained himself within the elevator shaft, and our staff have attempted to engage with him,' they added.
The incident also injured six individuals, as confirmed by authorities.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins of New Zealand described the attack as a ‘very grim morning’ for the country.
After the incident, there was a flurry of police activity in Auckland CBD. Armed officers and helicopters added to the tense atmosphere.
The New Zealand police described it as a 'significant incident drawing multiple emergency entities'.
Australian Erin Sokolowsky, who was on her way to work, found herself caught in the chaos as the incident unfolded.
She shared her experience, stating, ‘Within a minute of walking past (the construction site), waiting for the lights, gunfire started, and people started running left, right and centre.’
She further mentioned, ‘They said five shots. It sounded like more than that. Really loud and felt really close and we couldn’t hear or see where it was coming from. The best thing we (could) do is run and (hide) behind a wall and hightail it out of there.’
The police station issued a statement that read, 'The serious incident in Auckland CBD this morning is currently contained in a building in lower Queen Street, which is under construction.'
Authorities urged residents to avoid the lower Queen Street area and advised individuals in downtown inner-city buildings to remain indoors.
According to witnesses, gunshots were heard at approximately 8 am.
This incident unfolded just as Auckland was preparing to host the opening game of the Women's World Cup.
With the FIFA Fan Festival taking place nearby, Maia Jackson, homegrown football great, expressed her concerns to the New Zealand Herald.
She stated, ‘It's pretty scary actually. So they pushed us to the back of the cloud where we are and we're just trying to keep sane. There's lots of security and lots of uncertainty.’
We are deeply saddened by the distressing events that unfolded in Auckland CBD today.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the citizens of New Zealand in this trying time.
We also extend our sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
This morning in Auckland CBD (Central Business District), an ordinary day took a disturbing turn as the area was cordoned off due to a reported active shooter incident.
A police spokesperson told the local press, 'Multiple injuries have been reported, and at this stage, we can confirm two people have died. The male offender is also deceased.'
'The offender moved through the building site discharging his firearm. Upon reaching the upper levels of the building, the male has contained himself within the elevator shaft, and our staff have attempted to engage with him,' they added.
The incident also injured six individuals, as confirmed by authorities.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins of New Zealand described the attack as a ‘very grim morning’ for the country.
This morning, there is a significant police presence at the scene due to an active shooting incident. Source: Twitter/rxcdr
After the incident, there was a flurry of police activity in Auckland CBD. Armed officers and helicopters added to the tense atmosphere.
The New Zealand police described it as a 'significant incident drawing multiple emergency entities'.
Australian Erin Sokolowsky, who was on her way to work, found herself caught in the chaos as the incident unfolded.
She shared her experience, stating, ‘Within a minute of walking past (the construction site), waiting for the lights, gunfire started, and people started running left, right and centre.’
She further mentioned, ‘They said five shots. It sounded like more than that. Really loud and felt really close and we couldn’t hear or see where it was coming from. The best thing we (could) do is run and (hide) behind a wall and hightail it out of there.’
The police station issued a statement that read, 'The serious incident in Auckland CBD this morning is currently contained in a building in lower Queen Street, which is under construction.'
Authorities urged residents to avoid the lower Queen Street area and advised individuals in downtown inner-city buildings to remain indoors.
According to witnesses, gunshots were heard at approximately 8 am.
This incident unfolded just as Auckland was preparing to host the opening game of the Women's World Cup.
Workers at the construction site were shown on broadcast footage hiding under the protection of the police. Source: Twitter/rxcdr
With the FIFA Fan Festival taking place nearby, Maia Jackson, homegrown football great, expressed her concerns to the New Zealand Herald.
She stated, ‘It's pretty scary actually. So they pushed us to the back of the cloud where we are and we're just trying to keep sane. There's lots of security and lots of uncertainty.’
We are deeply saddened by the distressing events that unfolded in Auckland CBD today.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the citizens of New Zealand in this trying time.
We also extend our sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
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