An employee at the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's observatory in Matatula in American Samoa has allegedly been assaulted by a man wielding a machete.
The victim has undergone emergency surgery for injuries sustained in the attack.
The acting Commissioner of Public Safety, Leiseau Laumoli, says a suspect is being held following the attack.
Initial police reports say the victim was struck on the neck with the machete.
