Greek police have arrested an 89-year-old man following a shooting spree that targeted two government buildings in central Athens on Tuesday, leaving at least four people wounded. The suspect was apprehended near the city of Patra, approximately 210 kilometres west of the Greek capital, authorities confirmed.
First Attack at Social Security Office
The elderly gunman allegedly entered a social security office and opened fire, striking one employee in the leg. Police arrived at the scene to treat the victim, but the suspect had already fled. Security camera footage from a nearby store captured the man walking calmly across the street while wielding what appeared to be a short-barrelled shotgun in his right hand.
Alexandros Varveris, head of the National Social Security Fund, stated that the gunman went to the fourth floor of the building, raised his shotgun, and told one employee to duck before hitting another. Varveris noted that the shooter did not appear to specifically target the employee he struck and was wearing a trench coat that initially concealed his weapon.
Second Shooting at Courthouse
Later, the same man was suspected of shooting up the ground floor of a court building in another part of Athens, where several people were wounded. Police confirmed that authorities had found the shotgun. Local television footage showed at least three people being taken by paramedics from the courthouse to waiting ambulances.
Stratis Dounias, head of the Athens Judicial Employees Union, reported that three female court employees suffered minor wounds from ricocheting shotgun pellets. Local media added that a fourth female employee was taken to hospital without physical injuries after the man opened fire inside one of the offices.
Investigation Ongoing
The motive for the shootings remains unclear. State broadcaster ERT reported that after the courthouse attack, the gunman left behind envelopes containing documents and reasons for his actions. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence.
This incident has shocked the Greek capital, as an elderly individual carried out such a violent act. Police are working to determine the full circumstances and any possible targets.
