An 89-year-old man remained on the run Tuesday after opening fire at two locations in Athens, wounding five people in a rare outbreak of gun violence in the Greek capital, authorities said.
Police said the suspect first carried out the attack at a branch of Greece’s EFKA social security agency in central Athens, where he used a shotgun to fire inside the building, injuring an employee. The victim sustained wounds to the leg and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The gunman then fled the scene and traveled by taxi to a nearby court complex, where he entered the building, moved to an upper floor and fired several shots inside an office. Four female court employees were injured in the second attack, though officials described their injuries as minor.
Authorities said the suspect abandoned the shotgun at the courthouse before escaping on foot. He remained at large as of the latest update, with police launching a search operation across the city.
Officials have not publicly released the man’s name, but local media identified him as a resident of Athens known to authorities from previous encounters. He has been described as tall and thin and was reportedly wearing a blue coat during the attacks.
Law enforcement sources indicated that the entire sequence of events unfolded over a short period, with the suspect moving quickly between locations and targeting public institutions. Police have not confirmed a motive, and it remains unclear whether the attacks were directed at specific individuals.
The head of a judiciary employees’ union in Athens told the state broadcaster ERT that four women working in the court were lightly injured during the shooting, underscoring the sudden and chaotic nature of the incident.
Local media accounts suggest the suspect left behind written materials at the scene, which he claimed explained his actions. Authorities have not released the contents of those documents.
The suspect had reportedly come to the attention of law enforcement in the past. In 2018, he was linked to a threat involving the Athens prosecutor’s office and was later admitted to a psychiatric facility, according to local reports.
Greek media have also described the man as someone who collected discarded materials for resale, though officials have not confirmed those details.
The shootings are considered highly unusual in Greece, where strict gun control laws limit civilian access to firearms. Ownership is generally restricted to specific purposes such as hunting or personal protection under tightly regulated conditions, and carrying weapons in public is largely prohibited.
The Athens shootings highlight the rare but impactful nature of gun violence in countries with stringent firearm regulations. While such incidents are uncommon in Greece, they tend to generate heightened concern due to the expectation of relative safety in public spaces.
The fact that the suspect is an elderly individual adds a layer of complexity to the case. Violent acts involving older offenders are statistically uncommon, which may prompt investigators to focus closely on mental health history and personal circumstances as potential contributing factors.
The movement between two separate locations suggests a level of planning or determination, even if the attacks were not aimed at specific targets. This pattern raises questions about security measures in public buildings and the ability to respond quickly to evolving threats.
The reported use of a shotgun, combined with the suspect’s ability to enter multiple facilities, may lead to a review of access controls and emergency protocols in government offices and courts. Even in countries with strict firearm laws, isolated incidents can expose gaps in preparedness.
Mental health considerations are also likely to be central to the investigation. Previous contact with authorities and reported treatment in a psychiatric facility could shape how officials assess both motive and risk factors. The case may renew discussions in Greece about the intersection of mental health care and public safety.
From a broader perspective, the incident underscores the unpredictability of lone-actor attacks. Even in environments with strong legal restrictions on weapons, determined individuals can still carry out acts of violence, often with limited warning signs.
Public reaction to the shootings may influence policy discussions, particularly around monitoring individuals with prior threats or behavioral concerns. Authorities may face pressure to strengthen preventive measures without compromising civil liberties.
As police continue their search for the suspect, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and understanding what led to the attacks. The incident has shaken confidence in the security of public institutions and prompted renewed attention to emergency preparedness in Athens.
Officials have urged anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.
Reuters/Telegraph
