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Jakarta Police Identify 17-Year-Old Suspect in High School Mosque Blasts

Officials urge against calling the attack terrorism until they complete the inquiry.

Overview

  • At least 54 people were injured, mostly students, with about 33 still hospitalized for burns, hearing loss and blast wounds.
  • The explosions struck around midday during Friday prayers at the SMA 72 mosque in Kelapa Gading and originated near the loudspeaker, police said.
  • The identified suspect, a 17-year-old student, was also injured and is receiving treatment, and investigators plan to question him after his condition improves.
  • Police seized explosive powder and writings at the suspect’s home and recovered a toy submachine gun marked with white-supremacist references including “14 words” and Brenton Tarrant.
  • Investigators are examining possible hate-group links and reports that bullying and a desire for revenge may have motivated the attack, while providing trauma support to students.