AUCKLAND SHOOTING: Worker comes face to face with gunman

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch
Jul 19, 2023 |

Armed police on the roof of an Auckland building with construction workers

TVNZ’s Breakfast has reported that the gunman is dead.

Three people have been seriously injured and three people have suffered moderate injuries following an incident in Auckland’s CBD.

All available police units and ambulance crews have been called to the scene.

Police have confirmed it is contained to a building in lower Queen Street which is under construction.

Worker Mick is in the building where the active shooter is and spoke to TVNZ’s Breakfast.

“We’re in the building on level three. We were sitting here when we heard a gunshot, and two of our guys came running down saying [a man] had a gun, then we heard gunshots just a few metres away.

“And then we basically barricaded the door to the office where we were sitting in, and just started hiding on the desk, and just waiting.

“There are quite a few people here planning their day when he came up and just started shooting.

“When we tried to run out of office after about 10 minutes, he was sort of standing in the staircase holding what looks like to be a shotgun.

“When we saw him, everyone just said we scattered. Then we ran back in the building where I saw a bloody hard hat. There was blood splattered all over. I mean blood splatters on the ground.”

Some workers say the individual responsible is a former worker who brought a gun to the site, but this has not been confirmed by the police.


Barbara Dreaver, a reporter from TVNZ at the scene, reported hearing approximately six gunshots.

The police helicopter has now left the site.

Construction workers have been evacuated, and the police have contained the incident within a specific area of the building.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, speaking on Breakfast, described the situation as “dreadful” and advised people to stay away from the area and ensure their own safety.

‘The police are currently facing immense pressure.”

Dreaver further added, “we heard a series of about six gunshots.”

Many of the workers at the site appear to be migrant and foreign workers who are visibly shaken she said.

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email [email protected]

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