New Zealand’s gun control laws to stop ‘mass shootings’ didn’t work.

Man lets loose with pump-gun shotgun in Auckland

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Three people are dead and many are injured following a shooting in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, on Thursday morning.

The shooting took place at a construction site on the city’s best known thoroughfare, Queen Street,

“Multiple injuries have been reported and at this stage we can confirm two people have died,” New Zealand Police said in a statement. The alleged shooter, a 24-year old man, is also dead.

The alarm was raised at around 7:23am Thursday when reports were received of a person discharging a pump-action shotgun inside the site at 1 Queen Street.

A significant number of police responded and cordoned off the area. The Police Eagle helicopter was also deployed and provided oversight.

The alleged shooter moved through the building site and continued to discharge his firearm, killing two and injuring 6, including police. Three of them are in serious condition.

Upon reaching the upper levels of the building, which is owned by Precinct Properties Group, the man contained himself within the elevator shaft while police officers attempted to engage with him.

Further shots were fired from the man and he was discovered dead a short time later.

“Details around what has exactly occurred are still emerging and police will continue to provide updates around injuries and the circumstances,” the NZ Police statement said.

“What has unfolded is understandably alarming and we are reassuring the public that this incident has been contained and is an isolated incident.”

“We can also advise that this is not a national security risk,” NZ Police said.

Police say they are now commencing an investigation into what has occurred.

“Cordons remain in place and we are continuing to ask the public to stay away from the area as our work continues.”

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown described the situation as “scarey,” for Aucklanders on their way to work on Thursday.

“Please remain calm, follow the instructions of police and emergency services.

“Stay at home and avoid travel into the city centre. Auckland Transport has advised that there is a full cordon in the area.”

Later in the morning New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins issued a statement adding more details to the morning’s tragic events.

“This morning at 7.23am a witness called Police to report witnessing a man with a gun shooting in central Auckland at a building on lower Queen Street.”

“At 7.34am Police arrived on the scene and the Armed Offenders Squad was there four minutes later,” Hipkins said.

“It is with deep sorrow that I can confirm 2 people have been killed.”

“At this stage Im aware six others have been injured, including Police,” he said.

“They have been taken to Auckland Hospital.”

“Police have confirmed the shooter is also dead,” the PM said.

“The assessment from officials is that there is no national security risk.”

“There is no change to New Zealand’s security threat level,” he said.

“This is what we know so far:

The offender was armed with a pump action shotgun.

He moved through the building site and discharged his firearm.

Upon reaching the upper levels of the building the man contained himself in an elevator and Police engaged with him, shots were fired and he was located a short time later.”

“I want to thank the brave men and women of the New Zealand Police,” Hipkins said.

“Police who ran into fire from the gunman straight into harms way in order to save the lives of others.”

“These kinds of situations move fast and the actions of those who risk their lives to save others are nothing short of heroic,” the New Zealand prime minister said.

“I also want to acknowledge ambulance first responders who were there quickly on the scene this morning.”

“This is still an ongoing police operation, and I have limited further information I can provide at this time.”

Thursday’s shooting just hours ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup which kicks off with the opening match at Auckland’s Eden Park on Thursday.

The opening game marks the beginning of the month-long tournament co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.

The New Zealand government says it has spoken to FIFA organisers and the tournament will proceed as planned.