Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On September 27, 2025, a man walked into the Fagatogo Police Station and reported that Rubi Hanipale allegedly threatened to kill his 80-year-old father and burn their house down.

The suspect was later charged with Count 1: Public Peace Disturbance, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500.00, or both imprisonment and fine.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, on Sept 27th, a man (later identified as the reporter) after reporting the incident that had occurred earlier on the same date around 1:30 a.m was interviewed and provided a written statement to police.

The reporter stated that his neighbors notified him regarding Rubi Hanipale's outburst the night before, where he threatened to kill his (reporter) parents (victims). Hanipale allegedly threatened to shoot the victims and burn their house down.

The reporter informed the authorities that the neighbors who witnessed the commotion sent him a video.

The video revealed the suspect standing near his parents' house and yelling profanities and threatening remarks. He also noted that Hanipale appeared highly intoxicated and was operating a government vehicle after hours.

Furthermore, the reporter stated that this is not the first time that Hanipale had threatened them and claimed ownership of the land. He also said that the suspect was yelling profanities and threatening remarks directly at his 80-year-old father, who is a veteran with dementia.

The reporter stated that he wasn't present during the incident because he was helping his in-laws.

The investigation later revealed that Hanipale was disturbing the peace by engaging in violent and threatening behavior. The commotion alerted the entire neighborhood, where everyone came out and witnessed the suspect threatening to kill and burn down the victims' home.

Authorities were able to obtain the video footage from the incident.

The witness who recorded the incident was also interviewed and explained that she was in her room when she heard the commotion. She proceeded to the front of her house and saw the suspect near the victims' residence, yelling profanities and threatening them.

At that point, she pulled out her phone and started recording the incident. She also revealed that the suspect was full of rage and his speech was slurred. She also said that Hanipale was going to bring knives and guns as retaliation against the victims' family over the land.

The affidavit did not state whether the suspect was apprehended or confined after the incident occurred or reported.

The defendant is identified as a 67-year-old U.S national.