World Cup to Go On After Gunman's Attack in New Zealand

This file has been updated with details about increased security and the US team.
A gunman killed two people at a construction site in New Zealand's largest city on Thursday, as the nation prepared to host games in the FIFA Women's World Cup soccer tournament, authorities said. Six people were injured, including police officers, per the BBC. The attack took place near the hotel in Auckland where teams representing Norway and other nations are staying. New Zealand Prime Minster Chris Hipkins said that after consultation with FIFA officials, the decision was made that the tournament would go ahead as planned, the AP reports. "I want to reiterate that there is no wider national security threat," Hipkins said. "This appears to be the action of one individual."

Acting Police Superintendent Sunny Patel said the man began shooting at the site on lower Queen Street around 7:20am. Police swarmed the area and closed off streets. The man moved through the building, firing at people there, Patel said. "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," Patel said in a statement. More shooting followed, and he said the gunman was found dead a short time later. It wasn't immediately clear if police had shot the gunman or if he had killed himself. The prime minister said the attack is not being treated as terrorism, though whether he'll still attend the opener is "under review."

Officials at Eden Park, the site of the opening match later Thursday between New Zealand and Norway, said security will be increased, per the AP. Team Norway captain Maren Mjelde said her team woke up quickly when a helicopter began hovering outside the hotel window. "We felt safe the whole time," she said in a statement. "FIFA has a good security system at the hotel, and we have our own security officer in the squad. Everyone seems calm and we are preparing as normal for the game tonight." The US team is staying nearby and issued a statement expressing sadness over "the inexcusable loss of life to gun violence." The tournament is being co-hosted by Australia.

(More New Zealand stories.)