Tongan-American Utah lawmaker Doug Fiefia has expressed his condolences following the fatal shooting outside a Tongan funeral in Kearns that killed one teenage twin and critically injured his brother.
Fiefia, who serves in the Utah House of Representatives and is the Republican nominee for Utah Senate District 18, called on the community to support the grieving families before confronting the issues surrounding the tragedy.
“My heart is with the families and everyone affected by the tragedy in Kearns,” Fiefia said in a Facebook post.
“Right now, they deserve the time, space, compassion, and support to grieve. In the days ahead, we must come together to listen, heal, and find a better path forward. ʻOfa atu.”
Fiefia won the Republican primary in June and will contest the general election on November 3. If elected, he is expected to become the first Tongan to serve in a state senate in United States history.
He currently represents Utah House District 48 and is seeking to represent approximately 120,000 residents in the State Senate.
During a recent visit to Tonga, Fiefia described the prospect of making history as both humbling and significant for Tongans worldwide.
“I will be the first Tongan state senator in the history of America, and I’m honoured to serve,” he said.
Fiefia said his political rise reflected the growing influence of Pacific Islanders in the United States. His prospective Senate district includes several thousand Tongans, many of whom supported his campaign by volunteering and raising funds.
Twin killed at funeral
Fiefia’s statement followed the August 17 shooting outside a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 4660 West 5015 South in Kearns.
Eighteen-year-old twins Vilisoni “Soni” Angilau and Vita Angilau were attending their cousin’s funeral when they were shot.
Vilisoni was taken to Intermountain Medical Center but died from his injuries. Vita was critically injured and admitted to hospital.
The twins, who had recently graduated from high school, had travelled from Seattle to Utah for the funeral.
Police alleged that the shooting followed a confrontation involving the twins and a 17-year-old boy.
Afuhia Masiu Manatau, 45, was arrested on suspicion of murder after investigators alleged that he provided his teenage son with the firearm used in the shooting.
Witnesses gave differing accounts of whether Manatau handed the firearm to his son or whether the teenager took it from him. One witness alleged that the teenager loaded the weapon before firing twice at the person he had been fighting, according to a police affidavit.
Unified police believe the teenager shot both Angilau brothers. Investigators alleged that the brothers then pursued the teenager, took possession of the firearm and used it to shoot him.
The 17-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was admitted to hospital in critical condition. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder while still receiving treatment. Authorities have not identified him because he is a minor.
Further arrests follow
Two other 19-year-olds, Tevita Siope Tonga Kofe and Heneli Suli Grall, have since been arrested on suspicion of obstructing justice.
Investigators alleged that Grall removed the firearm from the scene, while Kofe helped the teenage suspect enter a black minivan to leave the area.
Police said video footage captured two men running from the scene behind the teenager. Other funeral attendees reportedly identified them as Kofe and Grall, who attended the same high school as the teenage suspect.
The allegations against Manatau, his son, Kofe and Grall have not been proven in court.
Fiefia’s appeal for compassion comes as Utah’s Tongan community continues to grieve Vilisoni’s death while supporting Vita through his recovery.
