Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Pursuant to the Proclamation by U.S President Joe Biden, Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga yesterday morning issued a directive ordering the flags of the United States and American Samoa to “be flown immediately at half-staff until sunset, May 28, 2022, as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on May 24, 2022, by a gunman at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.”

“As we reflect on the loss of life and the impact on the affected survivors, let us take a moment to be grateful for the Lord’s continued protection and blessings on our Territory,” Lemanu said.

Biden’s proclamation was issued May 24, according to the White House (www.whitehouse.gov).

The Associated Press reports yesterday that 18-year old Salvador Ramos used an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle in the shooting that claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers on Tuesday.

And the bloodshed ended with police storming a classroom and killing him. Ramos had legally purchased two such rifles just days before, soon after his 18^th birthday, authorities said.

New details are being reported by the AP and other national news outlets on the gunman’s plans — sent via text message — before the shooting, which has caused an uproar across the country after another senseless shooting in the U.S. claims the lives of 19 innocent children and two adults.