Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The United States and the American Samoa flags will continue flying at half-staff throughout the territory, until sunset July 10, 2022 to honor former Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, who was shot and killed by a gunman on Friday in Nara, Japan (Thursday, July 7th in the U.S.)

Flags have been flying half-staff in the territory since July 5 until sunset on July 9, after being directed by Gov. Lemanu Peleti, pursuant to U.S President Joe Biden’s proclamation earlier this week as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of gun violence perpetrated on Independence Day, July 4, in Highland Park, Illinois.

Biden on July 8, issued a new proclamation, after the White House was informed of Abe’s death. International news outlets reports that Abe was shot by the attacker, Tetsuya Yamagami ,while addressing a campaign rally in the western city of Nara.

The longest serving Prime Minister in Japan’s history, Abe “was a proud servant of the Japanese people and a faithful friend to the United States,” Biden said in his proclamation, which calls for the flying of the United States flags throughout the U.S and its territories as well as oversea U.S facilities.

 “He worked with American Presidents of both parties to deepen the Alliance between our nations and advance a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Biden said. “Even in the moment he was attacked and killed, he was engaged in the work of democracy, to which he dedicated his life.”

Pursuant to Biden’s proclamation, Lemanu issued a July 8 memorandum, directing flags in American Samoa to be flown at half-staff immediately until sunset July 10, “as a mark of respect for the memory” of Abe.

“As we reflect on the life of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, let us take a moment to be grateful for the Lord’s continued protection and blessings on our Territory,” Lemanu said.

The Associated Press reports that the attacker had told investigators he acted because he believed rumors that Abe was connected to an organization that he resents — citing police officials.

Japanese media reported that the man had developed hatred toward a religious group that his mother was obsessed about and that caused his family financial problems. The reports did not specify the group.