“Fatal Shooting Incident in Auckland CBD: Two Killed, Shooter Matu Tangi Matua Reid Dead”

Auckland CBD was thrown into chaos on Thursday morning following a fatal shooting incident that left two individuals dead and eight others injured. The shooter, Matu Tangi Matua Reid, who was on home detention, was also found dead at the scene. The incident took place at a construction site on lower Queen Street, where Reid had received an exemption to go to work.

The shooting began at around 7:22am when emergency calls reported gunfire on the third floor of the building. Police arrived swiftly and were able to enter the building within 10 minutes. The shooter was eventually located barricaded in an elevator shaft, and shots were exchanged between him and the police, resulting in an injured officer and Reid’s death.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins expressed his condolences for the victims and confirmed that two civilians were among the dead. Five patients were taken to Auckland Hospital, one in a serious condition and four with moderate injuries. Another patient in a serious condition was taken to Middlemore Hospital, while two others with minor or moderate injuries were treated at the scene.

Eyewitness accounts paint a terrifying picture of the moments during the shooting, with people panicking and evacuating the building as quickly as possible. The incident caused disruptions in public transport services, but by the afternoon, all services had returned to normal.

The police have initiated a critical incident investigation and have spoken to numerous witnesses. The construction firm associated with the site, Noise McGuinness, has expressed its cooperation with emergency services and support for the affected families.

Prime Minister Hipkins reassured the public that there was no identified political or ideological motivation behind the shooting and that there was no national security risk. This allowed the FIFA Women’s World Cup opening match between New Zealand and Norway to proceed as planned, with Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson confirming the safety of the teams and associated individuals staying in close proximity to the incident.

The investigation will continue, and authorities are working to provide answers and support to those affected by this tragic event..