An 89-year-old man opened fire at a social security office and a courthouse in Athens, Greece, injuring multiple people on Monday.
Shooting at Social Security Office
Greek media report the suspect is 89 years old. According to police, he opened fire at a social security office, wounding one employee.
“The elderly man entered the fourth floor and initially fired into the air, warning employees to leave. A second shot was then fired, wounding an employee in the leg,” state broadcaster ERT News reported.
Attack on Courthouse
The same man is suspected of then shooting at a courthouse several kilometers away, injuring several more people.
“The man allegedly aimed at the floor, but fragments injured women working there. He then threw several folders on the floor, saying that the answer to why he did it was located there,” Greek portal Naftemporiki reports.
Manhunt Underway
A large-scale operation is underway in Athens to locate the 89-year-old.
Details of the Incident
According to Greek media, the man arrived at the courthouse by taxi, concealing a hunting rifle under his coat. All injured individuals have been transported to the hospital and are in stable condition. The courthouse was evacuated shortly after the attack.
The 89-year-old fled the scene, leaving behind the hunting rifle. He is reportedly a daily employee of a waste disposal company and had previously been a patient at a psychiatric hospital. His motives are unknown.
Government Response
Greek Minister of Labor and Social Insurance Niki Kerameos contacted the injured employee at the social security office.
“I just spoke with the injured EFKA employee, who is fortunately in good condition and receiving all necessary care and support,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Edited by
Kamila Cieślik
