89-Year-Old Man Arrested in Athens After Shooting Rampage Wounds Five
An 89-year-old man was arrested in Greece on Tuesday after allegedly opening fire with a shotgun in two separate government buildings in central Athens, wounding five people. The suspect, identified by authorities as an elderly pensioner, was taken into custody near the port city of Patras, approximately 210 kilometers west of the capital, following a nationwide manhunt. All injuries sustained in the attack were reported as non-life-threatening, though the motive behind the shootings remains unclear.
The Attack: A Timeline of Events
The shooting spree unfolded in two locations within central Athens on the morning of April 28, 2026, sending shockwaves through the city and prompting a swift police response.
First Incident: Social Security Agency
The gunman entered the offices of the National Social Security Fund (EFKA) in the Kerameikos district of Athens around mid-morning. According to state broadcaster ERT, the suspect, dressed in a trench coat, concealed a shotgun beneath his clothing. Witnesses reported that he called out to an employee before firing, striking another worker in the leg. Alexandros Varveris, head of EFKA, told ERT radio that the victim was treated at the scene before being transported to a hospital for further medical attention.
Second Incident: Nearby Courthouse
After fleeing the social security office, the suspect traveled approximately 5 kilometers to a courthouse in the Ambelokipi neighborhood. There, he allegedly opened fire again, wounding four additional people. Stratis Dounias, head of the judiciary employees’ union in Athens, confirmed to ERT that three female court employees sustained minor injuries from ricocheting shotgun pellets. A fourth employee was taken to a hospital for evaluation, though she reportedly did not suffer physical injuries.
Surveillance footage broadcast by ERT showed the suspect calmly leaving the courthouse on foot. Police later recovered the shotgun, which the attacker had abandoned in a photocopier inside the building.
Manhunt and Arrest
Following the shootings, Greek authorities launched a large-scale manhunt for the suspect, deploying heavy police presence at both crime scenes. The breakthrough in the case came when the suspect’s niece recognized him from media reports and contacted law enforcement. According to ERT, the 89-year-old was arrested at a hotel near the bus station in Patras, where he was found in possession of a second weapon—a loaded .38-caliber revolver.
Police described the suspect as cooperative during his arrest. Authorities have not released his name, citing ongoing investigations. The suspect was charged with multiple counts of attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms.
Motive Remains Unclear
As of Wednesday, April 29, the motive behind the attack remains under investigation. ERT reported that the suspect left envelopes containing documents at the courthouse, suggesting the shootings may have been premeditated. Still, the contents of these documents have not been disclosed to the public.
Greek authorities are examining the suspect’s background, including any potential grievances related to social security or judicial proceedings. Gun violence in Greece is relatively rare due to strict firearm regulations, making this incident particularly unusual. The country’s laws require individuals to obtain permits for gun ownership, undergo background checks and demonstrate a legitimate need for a firearm, such as hunting or self-defense.
Victims and Community Response
The five individuals injured in the attack—a man and four women—were all employees of the targeted institutions. The male victim, an EFKA employee, sustained a leg injury, while the four female victims, all court employees, suffered minor wounds from shotgun pellets. All were treated for non-life-threatening injuries and later released from medical care.
The incident has sparked widespread concern in Athens, where such acts of violence are uncommon. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as police and emergency responders rushed to the scenes. One witness told state news agency AMNA that they saw the gunman firing at the ground, though the exact target of his shots remains unclear.
In the aftermath of the attack, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his condolences to the victims and praised the swift response of law enforcement. “Our priority is to ensure the safety of all citizens and to bring those responsible to justice,” Mitsotakis stated in a brief address to the media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the suspect in the Athens shooting?
The suspect is an 89-year-old man whose identity has not been publicly released by authorities. He was arrested in Patras, approximately 210 kilometers from Athens, and is currently in police custody facing charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms.
How many people were injured in the attack?
Five people were injured in the shooting—one man at a social security agency and four women at a nearby courthouse. All injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
What weapons were used in the attack?
The suspect used a shotgun during the shootings, which he abandoned at the courthouse. Upon his arrest, police also found a loaded .38-caliber revolver in his possession.
What is the suspected motive behind the attack?
The motive remains unclear. The suspect left envelopes containing documents at the courthouse, which authorities are examining as part of their investigation. No specific grievance has been confirmed at this time.
How common is gun violence in Greece?
Gun violence in Greece is relatively rare. The country has strict firearm regulations, requiring permits, background checks, and proof of legitimate need for ownership. Incidents like this are highly unusual and have drawn significant public attention.
Key Takeaways
- An 89-year-old man was arrested in Greece after allegedly opening fire in two government buildings in Athens, wounding five people.
- The attack occurred at a social security agency and a nearby courthouse on April 28, 2026.
- All injuries were non-life-threatening, and the victims were employees of the targeted institutions.
- The suspect was arrested in Patras, where he was found with a second weapon—a loaded revolver.
- The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, though the suspect left documents at the courthouse that may provide clues.
- Gun violence is rare in Greece due to strict firearm regulations, making this incident particularly unusual.
Looking Ahead
As Greek authorities continue their investigation into the motive behind this unprecedented attack, the incident has raised questions about security measures in public institutions and the mental health support available to elderly individuals. While Greece remains one of the safest countries in Europe in terms of gun violence, the events of April 28 serve as a stark reminder of the potential for isolated acts of violence to disrupt even the most secure societies.
For now, Athens residents are left grappling with the aftermath of an attack that has left a community on edge. As the investigation unfolds, authorities have vowed to take all necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future, including reviewing security protocols at government buildings across the country.