In the Russian town of Serpukhov, Moscow region, a blast hit the ROC Vvedensky women’s monastery on Monday morning as its parish school graduate, Vladislav Struzhenkov, 18, detonated an improvised explosive device.
According to TASS, at least 12 people were injured in the attack, including the culprit.
Reports claim the perpetrator had intended to set off the IED during the morning prayer but it blew up early, at the entrance to the premises. The perpetrator is also believed to have been carrying a machete and several bags.
The investigation is looking into the motive behind the attack, which could be a hate crime as the culprit reportedly had personal issues with teachers and nuns, a source told Interfax. Also, Russian law enforcement suggest the teenager may have suffered from bullying.
Despite sustaining life-threatening injuries, the attacker survived and remains in a hospital ICU following successful resuscitation.
The Investigative Committee intends to run psychological and psychiatric tests, TASS reports.
The Committee’s regional unit spokesperson said the incident had initially been qualified as “suicide attempt.”
RBC says, citing a report by regional health officials, eight people have been admitted to a hospital following the blast. Of them, six remain in a satisfactory condition, while one is in a medium-severity condition, and the culprit – in a grave condition.
