A shocking wave of violence erupted in Athens on the morning of April 28, 2026, when an 89-year-old man launched two separate armed attacks against state employees, citing a two-decade-long dispute over his pension. The suspect arrived at the EFKA social security offices in the Kerameikos district via taxi, concealing a shotgun beneath his trench coat. After making his way to the fourth floor, he opened fire, wounding an employee in the legs before fleeing the scene. He then took another taxi to the court complex on Loukareos Street, where he entered an office and shot three more female employees in the legs. In total, five people were injured during the spree, all of whom were transported to the Red Cross Hospital for treatment and are currently reported to be out of danger.

Police investigations revealed that the elderly man’s motive was deep-seated resentment toward the social security system, as he claimed the Greek state had failed to recognize 400 of his insurance stamps for over 20 years. Despite his claims of financial struggle, authorities noted that the suspect was already receiving monthly pensions from both Germany and the United States, totaling approximately $2,600 from the latter alone. He was well-known to the staff at the Kerameikos branch due to his frequent and often aggressive visits in the past, during which he had reportedly made verbal threats.

The perpetrator's attempt to flee the country was thwarted late Tuesday afternoon in Patras. After leaving envelopes containing explanatory notes at the crime scenes, he traveled to the port city by taxi, carrying a passport and a ferry ticket for Italy. Acting on information provided by the suspect’s own niece, police tracked him to a local hotel where he was arrested without further incident. The case has sparked intense discussion regarding security measures at public buildings and the psychological toll of long-standing bureaucratic disputes.