Elderly Gunman in Athens Shooting Acted Out of “Protest and Despair”

An 89-year-old man arrested after injuring five people in two separate shooting incidents in Athens reportedly acted out of “protest and despair,” according to his lawyer. The attacker first opened fire at a social security office, wounding an employee, before heading to a court building where he fired additional shots, injuring four staff members.

Authorities later tracked and arrested him at a hotel in Patras, around 200 km from Athens. His lawyer stated that the man, a former engineer who had worked in Chicago for decades, had been struggling with issues related to public services, including the rejection of his supplementary pension application. He also had a history of psychiatric treatment.

Prosecutors have charged him with attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm. The incident has raised concerns over security at public institutions, with officials acknowledging gaps in protection. Meanwhile, workers at the social security agency staged a protest, citing frustration over understaffing and safety risks.

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