Austrian school shooter pictured for first time as it's revealed he 'begged mum for forgiveness' in chilling video
The Austrian gunman who murdered 10 students at his former school on Tuesday has been pictured for the first time.
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21-year-old Arthur A. lived near Graz and was a former student at the BORG Dreierschutzengasse high school, where the attack took place.
Now, pictures of the alleged gunman holding a cat have emerged online.
He had left the school without graduating, and according to local reports claimed to be the victim of bullying.
Read more: Ten dead as ‘bullied’ former pupil, 22, goes on shooting rampage at Austrian school
Police have said that he used two weapons to conduct the massacre, a shotgun and a handgun, which he appeared to have owned legally.
Before killing ten of his former classmates and taking his own life, Arthur A reportedly sent a video to his mother begging her forgiveness for “what I'm about to do now.”
His mother reportedly saw the video 24 minutes after it was sent and immediately informed police.
In a letter left for his family, the gunman said goodbye to his parents but did not give a motive for the horror attack.
Franz Ruf, the public security director at Austria’s Interior Ministry, told reporters: "A farewell letter in analog and digital form was found.
"He says goodbye to his parents. But no motive can be inferred from the farewell letter, and that is a matter for further investigations.”
Asked whether the gunman had attacked victims randomly or targeted them specifically, Mr Ruf said that is also under investigation and he didn’t want to speculate.
Austria is recognising a three-day mourning period for the victims of what appears to be the deadliest attack in its post-Second World War history.
Six females and three males were killed in the attack, and a seventh female died later in hospital.
Austria's APA news agency has reported that seven of those killed were pupils.
Thousands of people in Austria attended a candlelight vigil for the victims on Tuesday night. Images show mourners lighting candles and laying flowers.
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker paid tribute to the victims on X, and called for the country to come together in unity.
A translation of his post reads: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and loved ones, and all those who have suffered immeasurable physical or mental suffering.
"In these difficult times, we stand together. As people, as a community, as a country."