In a devastating incident that shook Auckland, two men, Solomona Tootoo and Tupuga Sipiliano, were tragically shot and killed with the victims of the shooting now identified
The scene of the crime was the One Queen St. building’s construction site, a place that was buzzing with anticipation for its impending completion next year.
Who are Solomona Tootoo and Tupuga Sipiliano names of victims shot dead in Auckland shooting by Matu Reid
Details about the Auckland shooting tragedy
Around 7:20 a.m. on Thursday, the downtown Auckland was rattled with gunshots. When the dust settled, three people, including the shooter identified as Matu Reid, were dead. Among the casualties, a police officer was injured, and along with other victims, he’s currently being treated in a hospital.
BREAKING: Multiple people killed in Auckland, New Zealand mass shooting – NZHerald pic.twitter.com/COuI0A8IPl
— BNO News (@BNONews) July 19, 2023
Victims of the Auckland Shooting
Detective Superintendent Ross McKay, shedding light on the incident, confirmed the identities of Solomona Tootoo, 45, of Manurewa and Tupuga Sipiliano, 44, of Wattle Downs as the unfortunate victims. Following a meticulous identification procedure, their names were officially released to the public.
Behind the scenes of the investigation in Auckland shooting
The crime scene in Downtown Auckland is still being carefully investigated by forensic experts, who have kept the area as a “active crime scene.” Their goal is to put together all of the terrible things that happened that day and figure out what made someone do something so dangerous.
Tootoo and Sipiliano, the two people who were shot and killed, worked on the 21st floor of the One Queen Street tower with the person who did it, Matu Reid. At the time of the tragedy, the building was being fixed up. It was supposed to return sometime in the early part of the following year.
Other casualties of the Auckland shooting incident
Four additional individuals are currently hospitalized, recovering from the trauma of the shooting. Among them is a police officer who had been at the wrong place at the wrong time. Another officer, also injured during the episode, is now recovering at home.
As Auckland grapples with the shock and sorrow of the incident, the focus remains on uncovering the motives behind the shooting and ensuring support for the victims’ families and the injured.
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