ANOTHER SENSELESS ACT OF VIOLENCE

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Flags in American Samoa have been flying at half-staff — as seen in this Samoa News photo of the flags in front of the A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building in Utulei — since Monday, May 08, following an order by Acting Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale.

Pursuant to the Proclamation by the President of the United States, the acting governor ordered that the “flags of the United States and American Samoa shall be flown at half-staff until sunset on Thursday, May 11, 2023, as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on May 06, 2023, in Allen, Texas.”

“As we reflect on the loss of life and the impact on the affected survivors and their families, let us take a moment to be grateful for the Lord's continued protection and blessings on our Territory,” the acting governor said in his May 08 memorandum.

In statement released by the White House on May 07, U.S President Joe Biden said that eight Americans — including children — were “killed in the latest act of gun violence to devastate our nation.”

“Jill and I are praying for their families and for others critically injured, and we are grateful to the first responders who acted quickly and courageously to save lives,” Biden said, adding that federal, state, and local law enforcement are working closely together to investigate this attack and he has directed federal agencies to provide all needed support.

The Associated Press reported yesterday that victims of the latest mass shooting, near Dallas include two elementary school-age sisters, a couple and their 3-year-old son, a 26-year engineer and a 20-year old security guard. The victims represent a multicultural cross-section of the area’s increasingly diverse suburbs.

The shooter was identified by authorities as 33-year-old Mauricio Garcia, who was shot and killed by an Allen police officer.

The mass shooting lasted three to four minutes before the police officer shot and killed the gunman.