A 35-year-old man from Kolomotu’a is in police custody after threatening a hotel employee with a firearm at gunpoint early Saturday morning. The incident occurred at the Emerald Hotel in Nuku’alofa.
The weapon, an automatic firearm, was illegally owned by the suspect. Authorities are investigating how the gun was brought into Tonga, as automatic firearms are prohibited in the country.
Acting Police Commissioner Halatoa Taufa confirmed to Tonga Broadcasting that the suspect entered the hotel and threatened the 20-year-old employee by placing the firearm against his forehead. The motive behind the threat remains unclear.
In addition to the firearm, the suspect was found in possession of illicit drugs.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full details of the case.