A 60-year-old man accused of stabbing two American tourists near the entrance to the Acropolis has been remanded in custody pending trial, as a Greek investigating magistrate ordered a psychiatric evaluation following his court appearance.
The suspect faces charges including attempted homicide against multiple victims, as well as illegal possession and use of a knife, after the unprovoked attack that shocked visitors at Greece’s most iconic archaeological site.
Attack Near the Acropolis Entrance
The incident occurred on the morning of July 21, near the ticket offices opposite the Acropolis Museum.
According to investigators, the man allegedly approached an American couple without warning and attacked them with a knife measuring approximately 26 centimeters in total length, including a 14-centimeter blade.
Authorities say the woman’s husband attempted to shield her and restrain the attacker, suffering knife wounds in the process. Both victims were treated at Metropolitan Hospital, where they received medical care before being discharged later that day.
Police officers from Athens’ Immediate Action Unit quickly subdued and arrested the suspect, providing first aid to the injured tourists before ambulance crews arrived.
Mental Health Examination Approved
During court proceedings, the suspect’s defense requested a psychiatric examination, a request that was accepted by the investigating magistrate.
According to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA), the 60-year-old, who reportedly declared himself homeless, has a documented history of mental health treatment and had recently been discharged from a psychiatric facility only days before the attack.
The criminal investigation remains ongoing.
Tourism Officials Call Incident Isolated
Following the attack, the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) described the stabbing as an isolated incident.
GNTO Secretary General Andreas Fiorentinos said tourism authorities remained in close contact with the Ministry of Tourism, the U.S. Embassy, and hospital staff while monitoring the condition of the injured visitors.
“The safety of our visitors is an absolute priority,” Fiorentinos said, adding that Greece remains one of the world’s safest tourism destinations and noting that both tourists were expected to make a full recovery.
Although violent attacks involving visitors are rare in Greece, the incident prompted an immediate police response due to its location outside one of the country’s busiest archaeological landmarks.