Several people injured in New Zealand terror attack, suspect shot dead

World Friday 03/September/2021 09:49 AM
By: DW
Several people injured in New Zealand terror attack, suspect shot dead
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the attacker was a Sri Lankan national.

Auckland: New Zealand police killed a man who was said to have injured several others at an Auckland mall on Friday.

A law enforcement statement said: "Police can confirm that a man has entered a New Lynn supermarket and injured multiple people."

The police confirmed the main suspect had been shot and killed.

Emergency services said six people had been injured — three critically and one seriously. The other two patients were in moderate condition.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the attacker was a Sri Lankan national and referred to him as a violent extremist known to the police and inspired by the so-called "IS" terror group.

Authorities, however, described that attack as "random" and not terror-related.

The supermarket's general manager of safety Kiri Hannifin said the store was "devastated by what's taken place."

"Once again, our hearts are heavy knowing what our team and customers have witnessed and been through. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and their families, and we will be supporting all of our Lynnmall team."

A similar supermarket attack occurred in the South Island city of Dunedin in May when a knife-wielding attacker injured four people.