Key Takeaways
- An 89‑year‑old man armed with a shotgun opened fire at a social security office in central Athens, wounding an employee.
- He later fired again at a nearby courthouse, injuring several more people before fleeing.
- Authorities recovered the weapon and launched a manhunt for the elderly suspect.
- The motive remains unclear, though the gunman reportedly scattered envelopes with documents and claimed they were the reason for his actions.
- Gun violence is uncommon in Greece, where firearm ownership is legal but tightly regulated.
Initial Attack at the Social Security Office
On Tuesday morning, a suspect entered the fourth‑floor offices of the National Social Security Fund (EFKA) in the Kerameikos district of Athens. Witnesses said he called out to an employee, telling them to “duck,” then raised a shotgun and fired. The shot struck a different employee in the leg, while the intended target was unharmed. EFKA head Alexandros Varveris confirmed that the gunman was wearing a trench coat that concealed the weapon and that the wounded worker received immediate first‑aid, including a tourniquet applied by police before being transported to a hospital.
Description of the Suspect and Weapon
Greek media identified the shooter as an 89‑year‑old man, a detail that added shock to the incident given his advanced age. He carried a shotgun, which he concealed beneath his coat until reaching the office floor. After the first shooting, he fled the scene, leaving behind a wounded victim and a scene of chaos. Police later confirmed that the same individual was suspected of a second shooting later that day.
Second Shooting at the Courthouse
Hours after the office attack, the same suspect appeared at a courthouse building in another part of central Athens. He opened fire on the ground floor, striking several individuals. State broadcaster ERT aired footage showing ambulance crews loading at least three wounded persons onto stretchers and rushing them to waiting ambulances. The courthouse incident intensified concerns that the attacker was moving deliberately between locations.
Police Response and Evidence Collection
Law‑enforcement responded swiftly to both scenes, securing the areas, providing medical assistance, and gathering forensic evidence. Officers recovered the shotgun used in the attacks, which matched the description given by witnesses. A city‑wide operation was launched to locate the elderly gunman, who remained at large as investigators pursued leads from surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts.
Unclear Motive and Symbolic Actions
Authorities have yet to establish a clear motive for the shootings. ERT reported that after the courthouse firing, the gunman threw envelopes containing documents onto the floor, proclaiming that those papers were the reasons behind his actions. The contents of the envelopes have not been disclosed, and investigators are examining whether they relate to personal grievances, bureaucratic disputes, or other factors.
Statements from Officials
Alexandros Varveris emphasized that the gunman did not appear to have specifically targeted the employee he wounded in the leg, suggesting a more indiscriminate intent. Police officials echoed this, noting that the attacks seemed aimed at causing harm rather than pursuing a particular individual. Both agencies urged the public to remain calm while the investigation continues.
Public Reaction and Safety Measures
The shootings provoked widespread concern across Athens, a city where violent gun crime is infrequent. Residents expressed shock at the brazenness of an elderly perpetrator using a lethal weapon in public institutions. In response, municipal authorities increased patrols around government buildings and reviewed security protocols at social security offices and courthouses to prevent similar incidents.
Context of Gun Violence in Greece
Gun violence remains relatively rare in Greece despite the legal allowance for firearm ownership. The country maintains strict licensing requirements, background checks, and limits on the types of weapons civilians may possess. This incident stands out as an anomaly, prompting discussions among policymakers about whether existing regulations need reevaluation, particularly concerning access to shotguns by older individuals.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
As of the latest updates, the manhunt for the 89‑year‑old suspect continues. Investigators are analyzing video footage from both sites, interviewing witnesses, and tracing the gunman’s movements before and after the attacks. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to his apprehension, emphasizing that public cooperation is vital to resolving the case swiftly and ensuring community safety.
Note: This summary is based on the information provided in the source material and reflects the situation as reported at the time of writing.