89-year-old gunman goes on shooting spree in Athens, five Injured

An 89-year-old man remains the focus of a major police search after two linked shootings in central Athens have left five people injured. Authorities say the suspect first opened fire inside a public social security office before travelling to the Athens Court of Appeal, where he allegedly fired indiscriminately and wounded four more people before escaping.

The attacks unfolded at two state institutions in the Greek capital and prompted a large emergency response. All five victims were taken to hospital, where they received treatment for minor injuries.

First Attack at Social Security Office

Police say the first shooting took place at offices of Greece’s National Social Security Organisation, known as EFKA. The suspect entered the building carrying a shotgun and shot an employee in the foot. Emergency responders treated the injured worker before transferring him to hospital. His injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Officials did not confirm whether the employee was specifically targeted or whether the attack was random. However, the incident marked the beginning of a sequence of events that quickly spread to a second public building nearby.

Taxi Journey to Court Building

After the first shooting, the suspect reportedly left the EFKA offices and got into a taxi. He then travelled to the Athens Court of Appeal, located roughly 500 metres from Athens police headquarters, according to local broadcaster Skai.

The short distance between the court complex and the city’s main police centre raises questions about how the gunman was able to move between locations and carry out a second attack before officers intervened. Investigators are expected to review surveillance footage, taxi records and witness statements as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Second Shooting at Athens Court of Appeal

Authorities say the suspect entered through the main gate of the court building and began firing at people inside the premises. Four judicial employees were lightly injured, with reports stating they were struck in the feet. Witnesses described scenes of confusion as people fled the area. One person told Skai that those in the courtyard suddenly began running when the gunman appeared.

The witness said the elderly man, wearing a blue raincoat, entered office number 23, fired three shots into the floor and then left the shotgun on top of a photocopier before fleeing. Police later recovered the weapon inside the building.

Envelopes Left Behind

According to local newspaper Ta Nea, the suspect left three envelopes at the court complex while shouting that they contained the reason for his actions. Authorities did not release the contents of the envelopes, and investigators did not officially confirm whether they amounted to a manifesto, personal complaint or other explanation. For now, police have not established a clear motive for either shooting.

Search Continues Across Athens

Following the second attack, the man managed to leave the court building and disappeared. Athens police launched a wide search operation across the city, using witness descriptions and information supplied by relatives.

Greek media reported that the suspect’s niece contacted police and said the man was “probably” her uncle. Based on that information, officers formally identified the 89-year-old as the alleged gunman. As of the latest reports, he has not been arrested and remains at large.

Reports on Background

Local reports identified the suspect as a refuse collector from the Athenian district of Votanikos. Some outlets also said he had a history of psychological problems and repeated hospitalisations.

Those claims were widely reported in Greece but were not independently confirmed in full by police. Authorities also did not say whether the suspect had prior disputes with either institution or with any of the victims.

Security Concerns Raised

The Association of Judges and Prosecutors of Greece condemned what it described as an unprecedented attack and said the shootings exposed serious shortcomings in security arrangements at court buildings.

In a statement, the association said the incident demonstrated in the worst possible way the absence of adequate protection measures for judicial staff, lawyers and members of the public who attend the courts each day.

The criticism is likely to intensify pressure on officials to review security procedures at public institutions across the country.

Rare Violence in the Greek Capital

Serious gun attacks of this nature are uncommon in Greece, particularly those involving multiple locations and public offices. The age of the suspect also makes the case highly unusual.

With the gunman still missing, investigators are focusing on tracing his movements, examining the documents left behind and determining what led to one of the most extraordinary security incidents Athens has faced in recent years.