89-year-old Greek pensioner arrested after double shooting in Athens

An 89-year-old man was arrested in Patra following a double shooting in Athens that injured five people.

The suspect opened fire inside a social security office in the Kerameikos district before proceeding to an appeals court in Ambelokipi where he fired again.

The initial shooting at the social security agency targeted an employee of the state pension organisation, who was wounded in the leg after the suspect warned the employee to duck before firing.

At the court, four court officials were lightly injured after the gunman fired shots inside a chamber during a session, reportedly firing at the floor and scattering envelopes containing documents he claimed explained his actions.

Authorities detained the suspect after a nationwide manhunt.

He was found in a hotel in Patra, more than 200 kilometres west of Athens, reportedly attempting to flee to Italy.

Police recovered two weapons from the suspect, including a shotgun concealed under a trench coat.

Relatives indicated he had a history of mental illness and was angered by the rejection of a state pension application.

He had been treated at a mental hospital in 2018.

Gun violence is rare in Greece, where firearm ownership is tightly regulated.

The incident has raised concerns about security lapses at public buildings, particularly courts.

Judicial authorities criticised the government for inadequate security measures that allowed the gunman to enter the courthouse undetected.

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