The 60-year-old man who attacked American tourists with a knife near the Acropolis two days ago is being sent to jail following his testimony before Athens’ 26th investigating magistrate. He faces criminal charges for attempted homicide with multiple victims and illegal possession and use of a weapon.
His defense requested a psychiatric evaluation, which the magistrate approved. According to reports, the accused, who reportedly said he was homeless, has previously been treated at psychiatric clinics, with his most recent hospital stay ending just three days before the Acropolis incident.
How the attack unfolded
The incident occurred shortly after 8:00 am on Tuesday, when the attacker, holding a knife, launched an unprovoked assault on two passing tourists, a man and a woman, lightly wounding them.
The attack took place at the entrance to the Acropolis archaeological site, on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street across from the Acropolis Museum, causing alarm among visitors and passersby in the area. Witnesses said the Greek-American tourist couple was caught off guard, while bystanders rushed to call for help and alert authorities.
The two injured tourists were taken by ambulance to Athens’ General Hospital “Elpis” (Hellenic Red Cross), where they received first aid. Medical sources say their condition isn’t considered concerning.
