Pipe bomb and farewell letter found at home of Austria school shooter, say police
Investigators say they have found a farewell letter and a non-functional pipe bomb when they searched the home of a man who opened fire at his former school in Austria, killing 10 people and taking his own life.
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The 21-year-old alleged gunman, who has not been named by police, lived near Graz and was a former student at the BORG Dreierschutzengasse high school.
He had left the school without graduating, and according to local reports claimed to be the victim of bullying.
Police have said that he used two weapons, a shotgun and a handgun, which he appeared to have owned legally.
A senior official said that the letter found at his home had not allowed investigators to draw any conclusions.
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.
Read more: Ten dead as ‘bullied’ former pupil, 22, goes on shooting rampage at Austrian school
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."