An 89-year-old gunman opened fire at two separate locations in Athens, the Greek capital, on Tuesday, wounding several people before being apprehended by authorities. The incident, which occurred in the morning hours, sent shockwaves through the city and prompted an immediate police response.
According to local reports, the suspect carried out the attacks at a courthouse and a nearby area, though details on the exact sequence of events remain unclear. Witnesses described scenes of panic as shots rang out, with people fleeing for cover. Emergency services rushed to the scene to treat the injured, who were transported to local hospitals for medical care.
The gunman, whose identity has not been officially released, was taken into custody without further incident. Police are investigating his background and possible motives, including whether he had any prior criminal record or history of mental illness. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of premeditation.
This rare act of violence by an elderly individual has raised questions about public safety and the accessibility of firearms in Greece. The country has relatively strict gun laws, but illegal weapons remain a concern. The incident also highlights the challenges of policing in crowded urban areas.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. The Greek government has pledged a full investigation and promised to enhance security measures at public buildings. Meanwhile, the community has rallied together, with local residents offering support to those affected.
This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.
