Queen Street double shooting: ‘The CBD is still a safe place’ – Auckland police – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton
Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro

Auckland police say the two people shot in the CBD late last night “weren’t looking for trouble”, but are assuring the public it was an isolated incident.

Police were called to reports of a fight on the corner of Fort and Queen streets about 11.30pm on Thursday.

A small group of people were witnessed fighting before an offender pulled out a firearm and fired several shots.

One person was shot in the head and a second person was hit in the abdomen, and both were taken to hospital in critical condition.

Watch the latest media conference from police here:

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton said one of the victims remained in a critical condition, while the other was now stable.

Bolton said those living and working in the CBD may be feeling vulnerable and police had no tolerance for violence in public places.

“The CBD is still a safe place and I encourage people to come to the CBD.”

He said police could not outline what the investigation team was doing.

“Due to operational sensitivities, we are unable to provide any further detail at this stage, but will do as more information becomes available.”

Whether the incident was gang-related would form part of the investigation.

“At this stage, I can say we are following positive lines of inquiry with a CCTV phase and that is helping,” Bolton said.

The person who fired the shots was wearing distinctive red and black pants and a red hat, and fled the…