Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

89-Year-Old Attacks Athens Courthouse Over Denied Pension, Injures Five

4/29/2026

37 3 Full Breakdown

Center

Elderly Shooter Attacks

Relatives said the 89-year-old shooter was angry about a denied pension claim and had a history of mental illness.
An 89-year-old shot a shotgun at Athens office and courthouse, injuring five before his arrest near Patras with .38 revolver.
He left envelopes at the courthouse, motives and a plan to travel to European Parliament.
Officials noted that gun violence is rare in Greece, where firearms are legal but regulated.

Left

Court Employees Strike

Court employees launched a 24-hour strike demanding improved security after the shootings.
Police arrested an 89-year-old suspect near Patras who shot a shotgun at EFKA office and Athens appeals court, injuring five.
Judges and prosecutors blamed inadequate security, citing unused X-ray machines and untrained staff.
Four female court employees were lightly wounded by ricocheting pellets inside the Athens appeals court.

History

Historical Context

After the 2009 sovereign-debt crisis triggered €110 billion EU-IMF bailouts, Greece imposed successive austerity packages—most notably the 2012 seventh package that cut pensions by up to 15% and left 1.2 million retirees with reduced benefits. The 89-year-old shooter, angry over a denied EFKA pension claim, attacked the EFKA office and Athens Court of Appeals, echoing lingering anger over those cuts.

1 of 3

Elderly Shooter Attacks

Relatives said the 89-year-old shooter was angry about a denied pension claim and had a history of mental illness.
An 89-year-old shot a shotgun at Athens office and courthouse, injuring five before his arrest near Patras with .38 revolver.
He left envelopes at the courthouse, motives and a plan to travel to European Parliament.
Officials noted that gun violence is rare in Greece, where firearms are legal but regulated.

1 / 3