New Zealand PM says supermarket violence in Auckland a "terrorist attack"

By Xinhua Published: Sep 03, 2021 10:17 PM

A police officer stands guard near the New Lynn supermarket in Auckland, New Zealand, Sept. 3, 2021. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed that the violent attack that happened at New Lynn supermarket in Auckland at 2:40 p.m. local time Friday was a "terrorist attack" carried out by an "extremist."Photo:Xinhua

Police cars are seen outside the New Lynn supermarket in Auckland, New Zealand, Sept. 3, 2021. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed that the violent attack that happened at New Lynn supermarket in Auckland at 2:40 p.m. local time Friday was a "terrorist attack" carried out by an "extremist."Photo:Xinhua

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed that the violent attack that happened at New Lynn supermarket in Auckland at 2:40 pm local time Friday was a "terrorist attack" carried out by an "extremist."

"A violent extremist undertook a terrorist attack on innocent New Zealanders at a New Lynn Countdown in Auckland," she told a press conference in Wellington.

"This was a violent attack. It was senseless and I'm sorry it happened," said the prime minister.

New Zealand Police Commissioner Andrew Coster confirmed that the individual behind the attack was under heavy surveillance over "concerns about his ideology," adding he was holding a knife to stab people at the scene.

The man was shot dead by police at the scene after injuring multiple people at a supermarket Countdown in Auckland's New Lynn. Local authorities said at least six people were injured, including three in critical conditions.

Several shoppers are understood to have suffered serious injuries and have been taken to Auckland City Hospital's emergency department with status 1, meaning the life-threatening condition, NZ Herald reported.

Armed police have blocked off the roads nearby and at least 10 police vehicles are around the mall, where the supermarket is located.