A shocking incident unfolded in Greece when an elderly man opened fire inside two government buildings in Athens. The rare act of gun violence has left several people injured and raised concerns in a country known for strict gun laws.
Gunman opens fire inside Athens government offices
An 89-year-old man reportedly carried out the attack in Athens on Tuesday. According to police, he first entered a social security office and went up to the fourth floor.
There, he pulled out a shotgun and fired, injuring an employee. Officials said the man even warned one worker to duck before shooting, which suggests he may not have been targeting a specific person.
The injured employee was shot in the leg and received treatment at the scene.
Second shooting at courthouse
After the first attack, the suspect fled and later entered a courthouse in another part of the city.
Inside the courthouse, he opened fire again. This time:
- At least three women, all court employees, were injured
- Their injuries were caused by ricocheting pellets
- One more woman was taken to the hospital as a precaution
Thankfully, none of the injuries were reported as life-threatening.
Calm behaviour caught on camera
Surveillance footage shown by local media revealed a surprising detail. The suspect was seen calmly walking down a street while carrying what looked like a short-barrel shotgun.
This behaviour has raised further questions about his state of mind during the incident.
Arrest made after hours-long search
Police later tracked down and arrested the suspect near Patra, which is around 130 miles from Athens.
Authorities also recovered the weapon used in the attack. The situation was brought under control without further injuries.
Motive still unclear
At this point, officials have not confirmed the exact reason behind the attack.
However, state media reports suggest that the man may have left behind documents at the courthouse explaining his personal grievances. Investigators are currently reviewing those materials to understand what led to the incident.
Rare violence in a strict gun law country
Greece is known for having strict gun control laws, and such shootings are extremely rare. That is why this incident has shocked both the public and authorities.
Events like this are uncommon, making the situation even more concerning for local residents.
This incident in Athens is a disturbing reminder that even countries with strong gun laws are not completely free from such acts of violence. The fact that an elderly man carried out two separate shootings in a single day has left many people shocked and searching for answers.
While the injuries were not fatal, the emotional impact on victims and the wider community is significant. As the investigation continues, authorities will focus on understanding the motive and ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future.
