Athens Shooting Spree: Gunman Wounds Multiple People in Greek Capital

Athens, Greece — An 89-year-old man opened fire at two locations in central Athens on Tuesday, wounding several people before fleeing the scene, according to Greek authorities. The gunman, identified in local media reports as a ragpicker with psychological issues, remains at large as police conduct a manhunt.

Sequence of Events

The shooting spree began at a social security office operated by the National Social Security Fund (EFKA) in the Kerameikos district of Athens. Alexandros Varveris, head of EFKA, told state broadcaster ERT that the gunman entered the building, proceeded to the fourth floor, and called out to an employee to “duck” before firing a shotgun. The shot struck another employee in the leg. Varveris described the suspect as wearing a trenchcoat, which he used to conceal the weapon.

After the initial attack, the gunman fled the scene and traveled approximately five kilometers to the Athens Court of Appeals on Loukareos Street. According to early reports, he arrived by taxi, again concealing the shotgun beneath his clothing. Upon entering the courthouse, he opened fire on the ground floor, injuring three additional people. State broadcaster ERT reported that the gunman threw envelopes containing documents onto the floor after the shooting, claiming they explained his motives.

Emergency services, including ambulances and two EKAB motorcycle units, responded to both locations. All victims were transported to Erythros Stavros Hospital, where their conditions were described as stable. Authorities confirmed that the injuries, primarily to the lower limbs, were caused by shotgun pellets.

Police Response and Investigation

A police operation is underway to locate the suspect, who managed to evade capture after the second attack. Witnesses at the EFKA office described the moments leading up to the shooting as sudden and chaotic, with the gunman brandishing the weapon without warning. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the attacks but are reviewing the documents left behind by the suspect at the courthouse.

Footage from ERT News showed police securing the area around the courthouse and ambulance crews assisting the wounded. Police confirmed that a shotgun was recovered at the scene of the second shooting, though it remains unclear whether the weapon was the same one used in both attacks.

Public and Official Reactions

The shootings have prompted heightened security measures across central Athens, with police presence increased at government buildings and courthouses. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has not yet issued a public statement, but officials from the Ministry of Citizen Protection are coordinating with law enforcement to track the suspect.

Alexandros Varveris, the EFKA head, expressed shock at the incident, stating that such violence was unprecedented in the agency’s offices. “Here’s a tragic event, and our priority is ensuring the safety of our employees and the public,” Varveris told ERT radio. He added that security protocols at EFKA offices would be reviewed in light of the attack.

Background on the Suspect

While Greek authorities have not officially confirmed the identity of the suspect, local media reports describe him as an 89-year-old man with a history of psychological issues. Witnesses and officials have referred to him as a ragpicker, though his connection to the targeted locations remains unclear. Police have not ruled out the possibility of a personal grievance, given the documents left at the courthouse, but no definitive motive has been established.

The incident has raised concerns about security at public institutions in Greece, particularly given the suspect’s ability to evade capture despite the scale of the police response. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous.

Next Steps

Police are continuing their search for the gunman, utilizing surveillance footage and witness testimonies to track his movements. The investigation is focused on determining the motive behind the attacks and identifying any potential accomplices. Meanwhile, the wounded individuals remain under medical observation, though their injuries are not considered life-threatening.

As the situation develops, authorities have advised residents of central Athens to avoid the areas surrounding the social security office and courthouse until the suspect is apprehended. Updates on the manhunt are expected to be provided by the Hellenic Police in the coming hours.