89-Year-Old Man Arrested After Opening Fire at Two Locations, Leaving Multiple Injured

A terrifying shooting spree in Greece has taken a major turn after police tracked down and arrested the suspect — ending a nationwide manhunt that followed two brazen attacks in the capital.

Authorities say the violence unfolded Tuesday in Athens, where an 89-year-old man allegedly opened fire at both a social security office and a courthouse, leaving multiple people injured.

According to officials, the suspect first entered a government social security building and fired a shotgun, hitting one employee in the leg. He then fled the scene and reportedly took a taxi across the city — where he carried out a second attack inside a courthouse.

There, several court employees — mostly women — were injured, many by ricocheting pellets after shots were fired inside the building. In total, at least five people were wounded across the two incidents.

After the shootings, the suspect abandoned his shotgun at the courthouse and fled on foot, triggering a massive police search.

Hours later, authorities confirmed a breakthrough.

The suspect was arrested at a hotel in Patras, roughly 120–130 miles from Athens, where he was allegedly trying to escape. Police also recovered a second weapon at the time of his arrest.

Investigators say the man is believed to be a former garbage collector from the Athens area. While the motive is still unclear, reports indicate he left behind documents and letters during the attacks that may explain his actions.

There are also early indications he may have been upset over issues related to a state pension, though authorities have not officially confirmed a motive.

The attacks have shocked Greece, where gun violence is rare due to strict firearm laws. The incident has also sparked criticism over security gaps — especially at the courthouse, where reports suggest screening systems were not fully in use.

For now, the suspect is in custody, and investigators are working to piece together exactly what led to the violent rampage.