First picture of Austrian school shooter who killed 10 in horrific massacre
The killer pleaded with his mum for forgiveness before the tragedy.
This is the gunman who murdered 10 people in cold blood in the worst school shooting Austria has ever seen - after begging for his mum's forgiveness.
A photograph of 21-year-old Arthur A holding a cat is the first image of him to be released following the tragedy. The Mirror reports he pleaded with his mum before committing the atrocity.
He reportedly begged for his mother's forgiveness in a farewell video message before storming the school wielding a rifle and pistol and murdering 10 people. His victims included classmates and a teacher.
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In a cubicle of the school toilets he used one of the firearms to take his own life, bringing an end to the carnage. The "bullied" drop out sent the video to his mum just moments before he opened fire.
He begged for her to forgive him for "what I'm about to do". Had his mother opened the message when she received it, she may have been able to alert police in time. However, she watched it 24 minutes after receiving it.
By that time, Arthur had already left a trail of bodies after shooting nine children aged between 15 and 17, and an adult female teacher, who was 47 years old.
He left another 11 people with serious injuries, though authorities have confirmed they are now in stable condition in hospital. People who knew Arthur said it was likely an act of vengeance.
The 21-year-old had failed to pass sixth form exams and dropped out of school. His suicide note, which was found at his home in the same city, described him having been "bullied".
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