Explosions Rock Jakarta School Mosque During Friday Prayers
At least 54 people have been injured after a series of explosions tore through a mosque at a state high school in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. The incident occurred during Friday prayers, sending panic through the congregation, which included many students.
Teenage Suspect and White Supremacist Toy Gun Recovered
Authorities have identified the primary suspect as a 17-year-old male student who was himself injured in the blasts and required surgery. The chief of national police, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, confirmed the suspect was one of two students undergoing surgical procedures.
In a significant development, police revealed they had recovered a toy submachine gun from the scene. The weapon was inscribed with white supremacist slogans, including a reference to the 2019 Christchurch mosque massacre in New Zealand. Investigators are working to determine how the suspect assembled the device and established a motive.
Investigation Ongoing as Community Recovers from Trauma
The Jakarta police chief, Asep Edi Suheri, reported that the explosions originated near the mosque's loudspeaker. Most victims suffered from burns, hearing loss, and injuries from flying glass and shrapnel. About 33 students remain hospitalised with these injuries.
While local media reports suggested the teen suspect had been bullied and sought revenge via a suicide attack, police spokesperson Budi Hermanto urged caution. "We are still investigating the possibility that bullying was a factor," he stated, adding that authorities are providing trauma support for affected students and teachers. He confirmed the capital is now safe and security is under control.
