New Zealand shooter kills two ahead of Women's Soccer World Cup

Police officers stand guard near the location of a reported shooting in Auckland, New Zealand on July 20, 2023. REUTERS/Nathan Frandino

AUCKLAND (Reuters) -At least two people and an armed attacker were killed and five others wounded in a shooting in New Zealand's largest city of Auckland on Thursday, hours ahead of the opening match of the Women's soccer World Cup in the city.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said the soccer tournament would proceed as planned, adding the shooting appeared to be the actions of an individual and that police were not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.