Image Courtesy - Reuters

AUCKLAND, New Zealand  — Security measures will be intensified before the Women's World Cup opening game following a shooting incident in Auckland, where two people were killed at a construction site near the tourist area.

The Norwegian team hotel, located nearby, experienced heightened security with a helicopter hovering outside. Despite the incident, Norway's captain, Maren Mjelde, stated that the team felt safe due to FIFA's robust security system at the hotel and their own security officer. They are proceeding with game preparations as usual.

Eden Park, the venue for a scheduled game and opening ceremony of a tournament, advised ticket holders to arrive early due to increased security measures. This came after a tragic shooting incident early Thursday morning in New Zealand's largest city.

The gunman, armed with a pump-action shotgun, caused fatalities and injuries during the rush hour.

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins reported that the police responded swiftly, arriving within a minute of the first emergency call, and courageously confronted the assailant to protect lives. The gunman was eventually found dead in an elevator, according to Acting Police Superintendent Sunny Patel.

The devastating incident resulted in three fatalities, and at least four others were injured, including a police officer who was initially in critical condition but is now listed as stable, as confirmed by the New Zealand police via their Twitter account.

In response to the morning's tragic incident in Auckland CBD, New Zealand Football expressed shock and reassured that all members of the Football Ferns team and staff were safe. The country's Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins, stated that his attendance at the opening match was now being reviewed, but he confirmed that the tournament would proceed as planned. He mentioned the possibility of including a moment of silence during the Thursday night's opening ceremony.

Hipkins emphasized that the isolated incident appeared to be the work of a lone individual and that there was no broader national security threat. The New Zealand government had already communicated with FIFA organizers, and the soccer governing body issued a statement assuring that the opening match would proceed without disruptions. FIFA's president, Gianni Infantino, and general-secretary, Fatma Samoura, were in constant contact with local authorities and the participating teams in the area.

However, due to the incident and the security cordon in place, Tourism New Zealand decided to cancel a welcome party that was scheduled for Thursday afternoon. This party was meant to be held in an area that included hotels where the participating teams were accommodated. Despite this setback, the focus remained on ensuring the safety and smooth continuation of the FIFA World Cup tournament.

The shooting incident also affected the United States women's team, as their hotel was located in the vicinity of the tragedy. In a statement, the team expressed their sorrow for the loss of life due to gun violence and extended their thoughts to the people of Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Jennifer Deering, a tourist from Orlando, Florida, was initially taken aback by the news of the shooting, especially since her tour guide had assured her that Auckland was generally safe, except for minor theft incidents. Despite the shock, she continued with her day, reflecting on how, sadly, such incidents have become a norm for Americans, as gun violence frequently features in the news.

The month-long, 32-team tournament is jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia, with the final scheduled for August 20 in Australia. Both countries have stringent gun laws, and such fatal shootings are rare occurrences.

Football Australia's head of marketing and communications, Peter Filopoulos, expressed solidarity with New Zealand, sending thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families during these difficult times. He emphasized that the situation now appears to be under control, thanks to the efforts of the New Zealand authorities, and clarified that the incident is unrelated to the Women's World Cup. He also urged everyone to stay safe during the event.