Greek authorities are conducting a large-scale manhunt after an 89-year-old gunman opened fire at two locations in central Athens on Tuesday, leaving four people injured. The attacks, which occurred at a social security office and the Court of Appeal, have shocked a country where gun violence remains rare.
The suspect first targeted the National Social Security Fund (EFKA) office in the city centre, firing a shotgun and wounding an employee. Police officers who responded to the scene treated the victim, but the gunman managed to flee before they could apprehend him.
Shortly afterward, the same individual is believed to have entered the ground floor of the Court of Appeal building in central Athens, where he opened fire again, wounding several people. Authorities later recovered the shotgun at the scene. State broadcaster ERT News broadcast footage of ambulance crews transporting at least three individuals from the courthouse to waiting vehicles.
Motive Remains Unclear
The motive behind the shootings is still under investigation. According to ERT, the gunman reportedly threw envelopes containing documents onto the floor of the courthouse after the attack, indicating that those papers explained his actions. Police have not yet confirmed the contents of the documents or whether they relate to a personal grievance or a broader dispute.
Gun violence is uncommon in Greece, where firearm ownership is legal but tightly regulated. The country has strict licensing requirements, and incidents involving firearms are typically isolated. This case, involving an elderly suspect, adds an unusual dimension to the investigation.
The attacks come amid a broader context of security concerns in Europe, though they are not directly linked to organized crime or terrorism. In recent years, Greece has faced challenges related to corruption investigations and public trust in institutions, but random shootings remain exceptional.
Police have not released the suspect's name or provided details about his background. They have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings. The manhunt is focused on the greater Athens area, with roadblocks and patrols intensified.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of public buildings in Greece, even as the country maintains relatively low levels of violent crime. The Court of Appeal and EFKA office are both located in busy parts of the capital, raising questions about security protocols at such sites.
As the investigation continues, Greek media have noted that the suspect's age is highly unusual for a perpetrator of this type of crime. The case has drawn attention to the mental health and social support systems for the elderly in Greece, a demographic that has been particularly affected by the country's economic crisis over the past decade.
Authorities have not yet commented on whether the suspect had a prior criminal record or any known connections to extremist groups. The focus remains on locating him and ensuring public safety.
