United States — A second explosive video of Tongans brawling in a sacred space has gone viral just days after footage of lawmakers fighting in Tonga’s Parliament shocked the world.
The latest incident, captured during a church service in the U.S., shows a woman violently attacking another congregant as worshippers struggle to separate them, with punches thrown and profanity echoing through the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga.
Swearing can be heard throughout the video, contrasting starkly with the normally reverent atmosphere of a church gathering.
Some worshippers attempted to de-escalate the situation, while others stood by in shock.
Social Media Reacts
The video has since spread rapidly online, sparking outrage and debate.
Many viewers expressed dismay over the disrespect shown in a house of worship, while others questioned what led to the altercation.
“This is not the kind of example we should be setting, especially in front of our children and elders,” wrote one Tongan community leader on Facebook.
“Whatever the disagreement was, it should have been resolved with words, not violence.”
While the identities of those involved have not been officially confirmed, members of the Tongan diaspora are urging church leadership to address the incident.
Some are demanding accountability, including possible disciplinary action, to prevent future disruptions.
“The church is supposed to be a place of peace and forgiveness,” said a longtime member of the congregation who wished to remain anonymous.
“We need to reflect on how this happened and how we can heal from it.”
As of now, no official statement has been released by the church’s administration regarding the fight or whether any disciplinary measures will be taken.
However, sources indicate that internal discussions are underway.
“This isn’t just about one fight—it’s about how we handle disagreements as a community,” said a Tongan youth advocate.
“We need to find better ways to communicate before things escalate like this again.”
Tonga’s Parliamentary Brawl
The church brawl comes just days after Tonga’s Parliament saw its own sacred space of democracy violated when two senior leaders – including Police Minister Paula Piveni Piukala – came to blows during a session.
The Legislative Assembly suspended both Piukala and Lord Tu’ilakepa after their physical altercation brought debate to a halt, marking one of the most disgraceful moments in recent parliamentary history.
