Violence – Gunman Opens Fire at Athens Offices, Several Injured
Violence – An 89-year-old man carried out a shooting at two government-linked locations in central Athens on Tuesday, leaving multiple people injured and prompting a large-scale police search. Authorities confirmed that the suspect, who was armed with a shotgun, fled the scene and had not been located at the time of the latest updates.
Shooting Begins at Social Security Office
The incident first unfolded at a social security office in the Kerameikos district. According to officials, the man entered the building and made his way to the fourth floor, where administrative staff were working. Witnesses reported that he warned one employee to take cover moments before firing his weapon.
Despite the warning, another staff member was struck in the leg. Emergency responders arrived quickly, and officers on the scene applied immediate first aid, including a tourniquet, before transporting the injured employee to a nearby hospital. The condition of the victim has not been described as life-threatening.
Suspect’s Appearance and Movements
Authorities said the suspect had concealed the firearm beneath a long trench coat, allowing him to move through the building without raising suspicion. Alexandros Varveris, who heads the National Social Security Fund, confirmed details of the incident and noted that the injured worker did not appear to have been specifically targeted.
By the time law enforcement reached the office, the suspect had already left the premises. Investigators believe he acted alone and moved quickly to another location after the initial shooting.
Second Attack at Courthouse
Shortly after the first incident, the same individual reportedly appeared at a courthouse elsewhere in central Athens. Police stated that he opened fire again on the ground floor of the building, injuring several more people. The exact number of victims from the second shooting has not yet been officially confirmed.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and panic as people attempted to escape the area. Security personnel and police units responded rapidly, securing the site and assisting the injured.
Possible Motive Under Investigation
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. However, reports from Greece’s state broadcaster indicated that the suspect may have attempted to explain his actions. According to those reports, he scattered envelopes containing documents across the courthouse floor before opening fire, suggesting a possible grievance tied to the contents.
Officials have not confirmed the nature of those documents, and investigators are currently examining them as part of the ongoing inquiry. Authorities have urged caution in drawing conclusions until more information is verified.
Police Search and Public Safety Measures
A coordinated police operation has been launched to locate the suspect, with officers deployed across multiple parts of the city. Residents in central Athens have been advised to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.
Law enforcement agencies are also reviewing surveillance footage and gathering witness statements to track the suspect’s movements before and after the attacks.
Gun Laws and Rare Incidents in Greece
Incidents involving firearms are relatively uncommon in Greece. While gun ownership is legal under strict regulations, access to weapons is closely monitored, and violent gun crimes are rare compared to many other countries.
This latest episode has raised concerns about public safety and the enforcement of existing firearm controls. Officials have indicated that a full review of the circumstances surrounding the attack will be conducted once the suspect is apprehended.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine both the motive and how the suspect was able to carry out the attacks across two separate locations.