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Thu, 29 Jul 2010
PAGOPAGO, American Samoa (TALAMUA ONLINE) --- The Commissioner of Public Safety in American Samoa is calling for action to stop the smuggling of weapons into the territory.
The call by Tuaolo Fruean follows the fatal shooting of police officer, Detective Lusila Brown last Thursday. Mr Fruean said he thinks the illegal guns are being brought in through the sea port and the Fono and the executive branch should be seriously looking at ways to stop this flow.
The Pacific transnational crime report says American Samoa and Tonga are the main centres for the movement of illegal weapons in the greater Pacific.
Veteran Police Detective Lt. Liusila Brown was shot multiple times. Witnesses say the gunman was Siaumau Siaumau Junior.
Court Marshals tried to wrestle the gun away.
“5 or 6 officers that were finally able to get the gun away from the shooter,” said La Poasa.
KHJ Radio says Lt. Brown had been investigating several cases involving the Siaumau family. And a police affidavit claims Siaumau came to the courthouse to confront him.
“He said this was personal, he blamed the officer for arresting his mom on an outstanding arrest warrant from 2001 on drug charges,” said Monica Miller, KHJ Radio News Director.
Honolulu Police Union (SHOPO) President Tenari Maafala who has relatives in American Samoa says Siaumau had been associated with illegal activity on Oahu.
“He was definitely associated with the Samoan gangs out here and then of course with the drug arena out here in Honolulu,” said Mr Maafala. “I know him very good, I know him,” said Siaumau's friend in Hawaii, Alma Savea.
He said Siaumau frequented Kuhio Park Terrace while living in Honolulu.
“He was thinking like the officer is picking on the family. Because a few weeks ago I heard they got raided, got busted big time back home. And the whole family got involved fighting with the officer.” said Mr Savea.
Mr Maafala said authorities in Samoa will now consider arming officers with firearms.
"We're just blown away. Being of Samoan descent it just hurts for Lt. Brown and with all due respect to the Siaumau family we feel for them too. It's embarrassing for all of us,” said Mr Maafala.
Siaumau Siaumau Jr. is being held without bail - on a total of six charges. Including first degree murder and attempted murder for shooting a second officer in the hand.
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