King Charles's sadness for victims of 'appalling' Austria gun rampage
The King has sent a message of condolence to grieving people of Austria after Tuesday's gun rampage left 10 dead.
King Charles has told of his profound sorrow after 10 were massacred in an Austrian school massacre. Nine students aged between 14 and 17, and a female teacher, 47, were killed in Tuesday’s rampage in Graz. A further 11 were wounded.
The attack at BORG Dreierschutzengasse high school was Austria's deadliest school shooting. In a statement, Charles said: “My wife and I were deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the appallingly tragic events at the Dreierschützengasse school in Graz.
"Schools should be places of sanctuary and learning, which makes this horrific attack on students and staff all the more dreadful.
"Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the families of all those affected by this terrible loss of life and injury. We send our deepest sympathy to all Austrians at this profoundly distressing time."
On Wednesday, the first picture of the loner who carried out the killings emerged.
Identified only as Arthur A, the 21-year-old lived with his mother near where the shootings took place.
He was a former student, but failed to complete his studies.
The failed student said to have sent a video to his mother begging forgiveness for "what I'm about to do now". She saw it 24 minutes after it was sent and called the police.
Officers seized a non-functional pipe bomb and abandoned plans for an attack during a search of their home. They also found a letter in which the killer said goodbye to his parents.
He took his own life in a toilet cubicle.
One line of investigation is that the slaying was retribution for bullying he suffered at school.
Austria's public security director Franz Ruf said: "A farewell letter... was found.
"He says goodbye to his parents. But no motive can be inferred from the letter and that is a matter for further investigations."
The killer used two weapons, a shotgun and a pistol, which he owned legally, to carry out the country’s worst gun atrocity.
Austria is holding its second of three days of mourning.
