Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Flags in American Samoa have been flying at half-staff — as seen in this Samoa News photos of the flags to the entrance of the Port of Pago Pago — since Tuesday, Mar. 28, following an ordered by Gov. Lemanu P. S. Mauga.

Pursuant to the Proclamation by the President of the United States, the governor ordered that the “flags of the United States and American Samoa shall be flown at half-staff until sunset on Friday, March 31, 2023, as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee.”

“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 governor said.

The Associated Press reports that the mass shooting at The Covenant School, claimed the lives of three children — all nine years old — and three adults. The shooter was fatally shot by police.

Hundreds gathered Wednesday at a candlelight vigil in Nashville to honor and mourn the victims of the Christian school shooting.

[photo: Charity Faatau]