A Jakarta high school mosque was rocked by an explosion during Friday prayers, leaving over 50 people injured; police say a 17-year-old student is the suspected attacker.
The incident occurred around 12:15 local time (05:15 GMT) at a school complex in Kelapa Gading, the capital’s northern district. Most victims were students, some with severe burns, and the suspect was also injured.
Police deployed a bomb disposal team to ensure there were no additional explosives. Investigators are examining how the homemade bomb was assembled and detonated.
Classmates described the suspect as a “loner” who had been bullied and previously created violent drawings. Witnesses reported white smoke and broken windows after the blast.
Two objects initially thought to be firearms were found; one resembled a submachine gun with inscriptions referencing Brenton Tarrant, the Christchurch mosque attacker.
Images from Antara suggest one of the objects appeared to be a submachine gun and another looked like a pistol. The submachine gun-type object appears to be inscribed on its barrel with: “14 words. For Agartha”. On its body, it says: “Brenton Tarrant. Welcome to Hell”.
Authorities have urged the public not to jump to conclusions about terrorism, as investigations continue.
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