ATHENS, Greece — Police in the Greek capital were searching for a gunman on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, after shootings at a social security office and a courthouse left at least four people wounded, authorities said.
The suspect, reportedly 89 years old, was said to be armed with a shotgun and fled after the incidents in central Athens.
Police said the gunman first opened fire at a social security office in the Kerameikos area, wounding an employee.
Officers who responded to the scene provided initial medical assistance before the injured person was taken to hospital.
Alexandros Varveris said the suspect entered the building, went to the fourth floor and discharged his weapon after instructing an employee to take cover.
“He went in, went up to the fourth floor, raised his shotgun, told an employee to duck and hit another one,” Varveris told ERT radio, adding that the injured worker was struck in the leg.
The suspect was reportedly wearing a trench coat, under which the weapon had been concealed.
Second Incident at Courthouse
Authorities said the same individual was later suspected of opening fire inside a courthouse in another part of central Athens.
At least three female court employees were slightly wounded by ricocheting pellets, according to officials.
Television footage showed ambulance crews transporting several injured individuals from the building.
Stratis Dounias said initial information indicated that the gunman fired at the floor inside one of the offices.
A fourth employee was taken to hospital without physical injuries, according to media reports.
Investigation Under Way
Police said the shotgun believed to have been used in the attacks had been recovered, and a search operation for the suspect was ongoing.
State broadcaster ERT reported that the gunman may have left documents at the courthouse outlining his reasons, though authorities said the motive had not been established.
Security camera footage aired by local media showed a man walking calmly near the first scene carrying what appeared to be a short-barrelled shotgun.
Gun violence is relatively uncommon in Greece, where firearm ownership is permitted but subject to strict regulation.
Authorities said investigations into the shootings were continuing.
