A gunman opened fire at a downtown Auckland construction site on Thursday morning, tragically taking the lives of two individuals and injuring five others, including a police officer. The incident occurred as New Zealand prepares to host the FIFA Women's World Cup.

The attack began around 7:20 a.m. local time when the shooter began firing at the construction site on lower Queen Street. According to Acting Police Superintendent Sunny Patel, the perpetrator moved through the site, continuing to discharge his weapon. Upon reaching the upper levels of the building, he barricaded himself inside an elevator where he fired additional shots. The gunman was found deceased a short time later.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the gunman was killed by police or died by suicide. The injured victims sustained moderate to critical injuries, the specifics of which remain undisclosed. Police have declared the event an isolated incident and assured the public that it has been contained. They are urging people to avoid the area or remain indoors if they are already in the vicinity.

This tragic event comes as numerous soccer teams are arriving in New Zealand for the FIFA Women's World Cup, with the opening match between New Zealand and Norway scheduled for Thursday evening. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed that the tournament will proceed as planned and emphasized that there is no broader national security threat. He praised the swift response of law enforcement, who arrived within a minute of the initial emergency call, highlighting their bravery in confronting the shooter.

The gunman was reportedly armed with a pump-action shotgun. The legality of this firearm in relation to New Zealand's 2019 assault weapons ban, implemented after the Christchurch mosque shootings, is currently under investigation by authorities. The ban, while comprehensive, does not include all semi-automatic weapons.