Tensions escalated dramatically this week in the west Attica prefecture municipality of Aspropyrgos, due west of Athens proper, as a violent clash between groups of young men reportedly arriving from a nearby Roma settlement and another group of individuals identified as hailing from the former Soviet Union led to a shooting spree and a subsequently police raid.
Authorities arrested 17 people so far in connection with the incident, which took place at the Nea Zoi site within gritty Aspropyrgos municipality, a logistics and industrial district.
The confrontation, described by local media as resembling “a Wild West scene,” began when four individuals from the Roma (gypsy) camp in a car chased another vehicle carrying young adults from from the other community. What started as a verbal dispute quickly escalated into a brawl.
According to eyewitness accounts, the violence intensified after the initial clash. The group under attack fled to a nearby business—believed to be owned by two of them—but were soon followed. The first group reportedly opened fire on the premises, with residents saying they heard at least 40 gunshots.
The gunfire caused significant damage to both the building and the targeted vehicle. However, the danger extended beyond the two groups involved: stray bullets penetrated neighboring homes, striking walls and creating widespread panic among local residents.
The incident prompted a joint operation by police organized and major crimes unit. Police were continuing their investigation, with armed officers conducting house-to-house searches in the area.
Local media report that the gunfire on Monday was “retaliation” for a prior confrontation. Initially perceived as resolved after the first group left the scene, tensions reignited when they returned, this time armed and firing from their vehicles.
