Two men killed in New Zealand shooting were co-workers of gunman, who had violent past

Two men gunned down in New Zealand construction site; shooter had domestic violence conviction. Shooter identified as Matu Reid, sentenced to home detention for domestic violence. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins called it an isolated act.

The two men gunned down at a New Zealand construction site had worked alongside the shooter, police said on July 21, and court records showed the gunman had been convicted of domestic violence for attacking a girlfriend.

New Zealanders were still in shock at Thursday’s rare shooting, which closed part of downtown Auckland hours before the opening game of the Women’s World Cup soccer tournament, which was held under increased security.

Police didn’t say if there was an immediate trigger for the man’s rampage, although some media reported he had recently been fired from his job at the site.

The gunman stormed the high-rise building in the early morning, opening fire on terrified workers. He was found dead after a police shootout.

An officer who was shot and wounded remained hospitalised in stable condition on Friday. Three civilians also remained hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries, while two more had been released from hospital, authorities said.

Police told The Associated Press they had yet to formally identify the gunman but did not dispute reports it was Matu Reid, 24, who was serving a home detention sentence but had an exemption to work at the building site.

Court records obtained by news organisation Stuff show Reid was found guilty of domestic violence after beating his then-girlfriend in 2021. The records indicate he used weapons including scissors and a wine bottle, punched her, kicked her in the stomach and squeezed her throat for about 10 seconds, causing her to fear for her life.