The American Samoa Department of Public Safety is alleged to have seized an “air gun” along with “live ammunition” on Wednesday from one of the public schools.
Samoa News reported that although there is no official confirmation on this, officers from a western district substation who are not authorized to talk to the media, confirmed the story.
The “air gun” surfaced in a class — when a 10-year-old boy brought it to school and according to a police officer, the live ammunition found does not fit the “air gun”.
Adding that the air gun was “inoperable” and was damaged.
The officer said the parents of the child were taken into the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) for questioning after the gun surfaced at the school.
The police officer further said the “air gun” is now at the Police Evidence Room.
his incident came to light when a teacher posted it on social media saying that a fifth grader had a fully loaded gun in his possession at school.
The post went viral on social media and parents expressed concerns for the safety of their children as this information was made public on social media and no official statement was released by the relevant authorities.
Repeated efforts by Samoa News to get official comments from Acting Police Commissioner Foifua Jr Foifua and Acting Director of Education Dr Teresa Atuatasi for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.
Samoa New also contacted the Governor’s Chief of Staff Loa Tauapai Tuimavave, but there was no response either.
