Women's World Cup security stepped up after Auckland shooting

The attack took place in a tourist area of the city. The Norwegian team hotel was a short distance from the shooting. Norway captain Maren Mjelde said his teammates were woken by a helicopter hovering outside the hotel.

2023 Women's World Cup security stepped up after shooting in Auckland picture 1 — New Zealand police. Photo: AP

“We always felt safe,” Mjelde said in a statement. “FIFA has a good security system at the hotel and we have our own security personnel in the team. Everyone seemed calm and we are preparing as normal for tonight's match.”

Officials at Eden Park, where the match is scheduled to take place after the tournament's opening ceremony, have encouraged ticket holders to get to the stadium early.

“There will be increased security measures in the area and throughout the stands,” Eden Park said, adding that additional traffic management measures had also been put in place.

The shooting happened early Thursday morning, just 12 hours before the game. New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said the gunman was armed with a handgun. He added that police arrived within a minute of the first emergency call and rushed into the area to save lives.

Auckland Police Acting Commissioner Sunny Patel said the gunman was found dead in the elevator. In addition to the three dead (including the gunman), at least six others were injured, officials said.

“Football New Zealand is shocked by the incident in Auckland this morning,” Football New Zealand said in a statement. “We can confirm that all team and staff are safe.”

Although Mr Hipkins said he was "reconsidering" attending the opening match, he insisted the tournament would go ahead as planned.

“Obviously with the FIFA World Cup starting tonight, there are a lot of eyes on Auckland,” Mr Hipkins said. “ The government has spoken to FIFA this morning and the tournament will go ahead as planned. I want to reiterate that there is no wider national security threat. This appears to be the action of an individual.”

However, a festival in Auckland to celebrate the opening ceremony has been cancelled. The 2023 Women's World Cup will be a month-long tournament with 32 teams co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. The final will take place on August 20.

Trung Kien (according to AP)

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