This morning, authorities were alerted to a stabbing incident at the southern entrance of the Acropolis archaeological site in Athens, across from the Acropolis Museum and ticket offices. A man armed with a knife was reportedly threatening bystanders when he attacked two tourists, according to reports from Kathimerini.
A passing woman notified the Rapid Intervention Center of the police about the situation. Upon their arrival, officers discovered that the assailant had already injured a woman in the thigh and a man who attempted to protect her, injuring him in the wrist.
Metro reports that both victims are American citizens of Greek descent.
Injured Tourists Are Out of Danger
An ambulance from the National Ambulance Service (EKAB) was dispatched to provide first aid to the victims, who were subsequently transported to the Red Cross Hospital in Athens. Both individuals are receiving medical care and are not in danger, although it has yet to be determined if they will be admitted to the hospital.
Initial information indicates that the assailant is a 60-year-old Greek citizen suffering from mental health issues. Greek media speculates that he may be homeless. He was subdued and arrested by police shortly after their arrival.
Police Suspect Attacker Has a Criminal History
Athens police officers believe the arrested individual may be the same person previously apprehended for assault and carrying a knife. He had reportedly been hospitalized twice in psychiatric clinics, and a court order for his mandatory hospitalization issued in 2022 was not enforced as authorities failed to locate him.
The Acropolis hill attracts millions of tourists each year, with 4.6 million visitors recorded in 2025. Although attacks are rare in Greece, an incident in April involved an 89-year-old man opening fire with a gun in a social security office and a court in the city center, injuring four individuals.
