Full Breakdown
89-Year-Old Gunman Arrested After Double Shooting in Athens
4/29/2026, 11:33:22 AM
Timeline of the Double Shooting
On Tuesday at 10 a.m., an 89-year-old man entered EFKA social security office in Kerameikos, went to the fourth floor, shouted “duck,” and fired, wounding an employee. He then traveled ~5 km to a courthouse in Ambelokipi, shot ground floor, injuring four women, left the shotgun and envelopes, and fled. Police arrested him in Patras.
Key Figures and Groups
The 89-year-old suspect, a garbage collector with a psychiatric admission, was identified by relatives. EFKA head Alexandros Varveris described the shooting; Stratis Dounias, head of Athens Judicial Employees Union, reported injuries. Sotiris Tripolitsiotis, court employees’ secretary, warned of security lapses. Greek Association of Judges and Prosecutors issued a joint statement. Police confirmed the arrest and seizure of a .38 revolver.
Injuries, Weapons, and Arrest Details
Five people were injured: one male EFKA employee and four female court staff, all with non-life-threatening wounds. The gunman used a short-barreled shotgun concealed under a trench coat; a loaded .38 revolver was recovered from him in Patras.
Official Statements & Responses
EFKA head Alexandros Varveris said shooter shouted “duck” on fourth floor and hit another employee, stressing no target. Stratis Dounias confirmed four women were injured at court. Police announced suspect’s detention and recovery of second weapon. ERT reported gunman left envelopes with documents he said explained his actions.
Criticism of Court Security
The Greek Association of Judges and Prosecutors said the attack exposed a lack of security measures. Sotiris Tripolitsiotis noted X-ray scanners bought years ago remain unused, preventing courts from properly screening entrants.
On-the-Ground Accounts
CCTV showed the suspect walking with a shotgun hidden under a trench coat. Eyewitnesses described him as tall, thin, wearing a blue trench coat. After the courthouse shooting, he discarded the shotgun and scattered envelopes with documents, which police retrieved.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on injuries: five victims are reported, while three women wounded and a fourth taken to hospital without injuries are also noted. The suspect is described as a garbage, rubbish or scrap collector. Motive unclear; reports cite a rejected pension claim, mental-health history, and the suspect’s claim that the envelopes explained his actions.
Verbatim Quotes
“He went in, went up to the fourth floor, raised his shotgun, told an employee to duck and hit another one,” — Alexandros Varveris, Head of EFKA
“Four women working at the small claims court were slightly injured,” — Stratis Dounias, Head of Athens Judicial Employees Union
“demonstrated in the worst possible way the absence of appropriate security measures” — Greek Association of Judges and Prosecutors
“No one coming into the courts can really be checked,” — Sotiris Tripolitsiotis, General Secretary of Athens Court Employees Association
Implications and Next Steps
Athens court staff staged a 24-hour strike demanding better security. Authorities pledged a review of safety protocols, including activation of dormant X-ray scanners. The case has revived debate over Greece’s strict gun-ownership rules and the need for mental-health support.
