Medan Church Bomber Now in Densus 88's Custody
Jakarta. National Police’s counterterrorism unit Densus 88 has taken over the interrogation of 18-year old Ivan Armadi Hasugian, who was arrested after a failed suicide bombing attempt at the St. Yoseph Catholic Church in Medan, North Sumatra, earlier this weekend.
"Yes, the suspect is now in Densus 88's custody. We will provide back whenever needed," Medan Police’s criminal investigation unit chief, Comr. Fahrizal said on Tuesday (30/08).
According to Fahrizal, once the case was handed over to the counterterror unit, Medan Police no longer has the authority to give updates on the case.
The police arrested Ivan shortly after he attacked the pastor at the church, Albert Pandiangan, after he failed to blow himself up with bombs hidden in his vest and bag. The homemade bombs, which the police declared were the works of an "amateur bomb maker," only created sparks which injured the would-be attacker.
The priest sustained minor scratches to his arm and was taken to a local hospital.
The small explosions did cause panic among the hundreds of congregation members who were at the church, but several of them managed to catch Ivan after he attacked the priest.
Tags: Keywords: