In a shocking incident, a gunman opened fire at a construction site in downtown Auckland, New Zealand, killing two people and injuring six others, including a police officer. The shooting took place just hours before the FIFA Women's World Cup tournament was set to begin, causing panic and raising concerns about the safety of the event. The shooter was also found dead at the scene.

The shooting occurred around 7:20 a.m. when the gunman entered a high-rise building on lower Queen Street and started firing at people inside. He continued to move through the building, firing at will, before containing himself within the elevator shaft. Police arrived at the scene just one minute after the first emergency call and swiftly took action to save lives. It remains unclear if the gunman was shot by the police or if he took his own life.

Authorities have assured the public that this incident is an isolated one and there is no wider national security threat. New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins stated that the FIFA Women's World Cup will proceed as planned, as the government has spoken to FIFA organizers and confirmed the tournament's continuation. Hipkins commended the heroic actions of the police officers who risked their lives to protect others during the shooting.

The incident has raised concerns about the country's gun control measures. New Zealand implemented a ban on assault weapons in 2019 after a mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, but the ban does not include all semi-automatic weapons. It is unclear if the weapon used by the gunman would have been covered by the ban.

As the investigation continues, security measures have been heightened in Auckland. Eden Park, the venue for the opening match of the Women's World Cup, has increased its security presence, and ticket holders are advised to arrive early. Tourism New Zealand has canceled a media welcome party that was scheduled to take place in the cordoned-off area.

Teams participating in the tournament, including Team Norway and Team USA, have assured their players' safety and are in communication with local authorities. Despite the tragedy, the teams are focused on preparing for their matches and ensuring the smooth running of the tournament.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of security measures and the need for continued efforts to prevent such acts of violence. The authorities are working diligently to investigate the motive behind the shooting and provide support to the victims and their families.