Judge Killed After Man Opens Fire in Courtroom During Hearing

In a shocking attack at the Court of Appeal in Tirana, Albania, Judge Astrit Kalaja was fatally shot during a trial involving a property dispute. Judge Kalaja died on the way to the hospital, while two others present—a father and son involved in the case—were also injured but are expected to survive.

Police arrested 30-year-old Elvis Shkëmbi, identified as the gunman, who reportedly pulled a pistol from his belt and opened fire immediately after the verdict was announced. He then allegedly shot the two plaintiffs before leaving the courtroom and handing the weapon to a court clerk.

Authorities also arrested Shkëmbi’s uncle, a defendant in the case, on suspicion of being an accomplice or instigator. Police say the uncle took no action to stop the attack and may have known about the plan. Additionally, a 63-year-old court security guard was arrested for allegedly allowing the suspect inside the building, despite him setting off the metal detector. The guard reportedly failed to properly check or log the individuals entering the court, allowing the suspect and his uncle to linger in the lobby for nearly an hour before the hearing.

Judge Kalaja had over 30 years of legal experience and was appointed to the Court of Appeal in Tirana in 2019. Known for his dedication, his death has sent shockwaves through Albania’s judicial community.

Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed deep condolences to Judge Kalaja’s family and called for the harshest legal consequences for the attacker. Rama also urged stricter court security and tougher penalties for illegal gun possession.

General Prosecutor Olsian Çela emphasized the gravity of the incident, saying it not only caused tragic loss of life but also struck at “the very foundation of justice and the functioning of the legal system.”

While courtroom shootings are rare, they are not unprecedented. A decade ago in Milan, Italy, a judge was killed in a similar attack during a bankruptcy trial, along with a lawyer and a co-defendant.

A recent UN-backed report shows Albania leads the Balkans in firearm incidents linked to public disputes in the first half of this year, with 43 such incidents between January and June. Although this number is slightly lower than the previous year, it highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in the region.