A man armed with a shotgun opened fire inside a social security office in central Athens on Monday, wounding one employee before fleeing the scene, according to Greek police and local officials. The attack occurred shortly after 10 a.m. Local time at the IKA-ETAM office on Stadiou Street, a busy thoroughfare in the heart of the capital.
Witnesses described the gunman as a middle-aged man wearing dark clothing, who entered the office without warning and fired at least two shots. One bullet struck a 42-year-old female employee in the shoulder, causing non-life-threatening injuries, according to a statement from the Athens General Hospital “Evangelismos,” where she was treated and later discharged. The suspect then fled on foot before police arrived.
Law enforcement officials said the motive for the attack remains unclear, though initial reports suggested the gunman may have had a prior dispute with the social security agency. “We are investigating all possible angles, including personal grievances and any connection to the victim,” a police spokesperson told reporters outside the scene. Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity but confirmed that a manhunt involving multiple police units was underway across the city.
The attack has raised concerns about security at government offices in Greece, where public sector employees have increasingly reported threats and harassment in recent years. In 2023, the Greek ombudsman documented a 15% rise in verbal and physical assaults against civil servants, particularly in agencies handling welfare benefits and pensions. While no group has claimed responsibility for Monday’s shooting, the incident has prompted calls for stricter security measures at public facilities.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis convened an emergency meeting with top security officials following the attack. In a brief statement, Mitsotakis condemned the violence and pledged to “ensure the safety of all citizens and public servants.” The government has not announced any immediate policy changes but indicated that a review of security protocols at social security offices would be conducted.
Stadiou Street, a major commercial and administrative hub, was cordoned off for several hours as forensic teams processed the scene. The office, which serves thousands of Athenians daily for pension and benefit claims, remained closed for the rest of the day. Local businesses reported disruptions, with some shop owners expressing frustration over the lack of visible police presence in the area in recent months.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in Greece over economic reforms and austerity measures, which have led to protests and occasional clashes between demonstrators and authorities. While there is no evidence linking Monday’s attack to broader political unrest, the shooting has reignited debates about the safety of public sector workers, who have faced growing hostility from citizens frustrated with bureaucratic delays and funding cuts.
Police have urged anyone with information about the suspect to reach forward, describing him as approximately 50 years old, with a medium build and short dark hair. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed, though authorities have not yet released any images of the gunman. The investigation is ongoing, with no arrests made as of late Monday evening.
