A horrific attack broke out in a high school mosque in Jakarta, wounding more than 54 people, nearly all of them students. The attack was perpetrated by a 17-year-old male student. The student still remains in surgery as he recovers from his injuries following the assault. With this incident, authorities have named them the most likely culprit of this scary occurrence.
The attack happened during the Friday prayers in the mosque that is located in the compound of the SMA 72, a state high school in Indonesia. Detailed reports indicate that the student had a toy submachine gun emblazoned with white supremacist slogans. Investigators attribute the student’s actions to motives based in bullying and revenge. In addition to the student shown above, he was left with severe injuries after an explosion that started from the area of the mosque’s microphone.
Authorities are reportedly probing the specific type of explosives used for the attack. This troubling investigation has led to additional alarm surrounding safety within our schools.
“We discovered the weapon was a toy gun with specific markings, which we are also investigating to understand the motive, including how he assembled it and carried out the attack,” – Sigit
Those who were present at the event have had difficulty giving their statements, as many of them are the victims themselves in need of care and treatment.
“There are several obstacles in obtaining information from witnesses as they are also victims who need medical treatment to recover,” – Budi Hermanto
The student, a grade 12 member of the high school community, had reportedly written phrases such as “14 words” and “Brenton Tarrant: Welcome to hell,” which are associated with white supremacist ideologies. These specifics have caused officials to focus on possible motivations based in extremist ideologies.
In response to the trauma experienced by students and staff, local authorities have initiated “trauma healing” programs aimed at aiding recovery. The psychological well-being of those impacted is of primary concern as they begin to move forward from the aftermath of this tragic event.
