Elderly Man Opens Fire in Athens Government Buildings, Wounding Four

An 89-year-old gunman launched a rare shooting spree across two Athens government buildings Tuesday, wounding at least four people before authorities apprehended him hours later about 130 miles away from the Greek capital.

The violent incident began when the elderly suspect entered a social security office in Athens and proceeded to the fourth floor, where he opened fire with what appeared to be a short-barreled shotgun. According to Alexandros Varveris, head of Greece’s National Security Fund, the gunman displayed unusual behavior during the attack.

“He went in, went up to the fourth floor, raised his shotgun, told an employee to duck and hit another one,” Varveris told state broadcaster ERT radio, suggesting the shooter wasn’t targeting specific individuals despite his deliberate actions.

The first victim, a male employee, sustained a leg wound and received treatment at the scene. Following this initial attack, the gunman fled the premises.

In a second attack later the same day, the suspect entered an Athens courthouse in another part of the city and again discharged his weapon. At least three female court employees suffered minor injuries from ricocheting pellets, with reports indicating a fourth woman was taken to a hospital as a precautionary measure.

Surveillance footage broadcast by local media showed a man walking calmly down a street carrying what appeared to be the shotgun, highlighting the brazen nature of the attacks.

The incident represents a shocking anomaly in Greece, where gun violence is exceedingly rare compared to many other European countries. Greece maintains strict gun control laws, with civilian ownership heavily regulated and primarily limited to hunting weapons and sport shooting equipment. This regulatory framework has historically contributed to the country’s low rates of firearm-related violence.

Police ultimately apprehended the suspect near the western coastal city of Patra, approximately 130 miles from Athens, and recovered the weapon. While authorities have not yet disclosed a clear motive for the attacks, state media reported that the gunman left documents at the courthouse outlining various personal grievances, suggesting the shootings may have been driven by disputes with government institutions.

The incident prompted a swift security response across Athens, with increased police presence around government buildings and courthouses. Officials closed the affected buildings temporarily while conducting investigations and ensuring there was no continuing threat.

Greece’s Minister of Citizen Protection issued a statement condemning the violence and reassuring the public that such incidents remain extremely rare in the country. Mental health experts have noted that the advanced age of the suspect adds another unusual dimension to the case.

Court proceedings and social security services in the affected buildings were temporarily disrupted, with appointments rescheduled and some administrative functions relocated to alternate facilities. Government officials indicated that normal operations would resume following a security review and any necessary enhancements to building safety protocols.

The victims are all expected to make full recoveries, according to medical authorities. Support services have been made available to employees who witnessed the shootings.

The case has sparked discussions about security measures in Greek government buildings, which typically feature less stringent screening procedures than those found in countries with higher rates of gun violence. Some lawmakers have already called for a review of current protocols, particularly regarding access to sensitive administrative buildings.

The suspect is expected to face multiple charges, including attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm. The investigation continues as authorities work to establish a complete timeline of events and determine how the elderly man obtained the weapon.