- A man attacked two American tourists with a knife near the Acropolis, resulting in injuries to both victims.
- The 60-year-old suspect has a history of mental health issues and was previously arrested for allegedly possessing a knife.
- Witness Tracey Dewey, a visitor from Cape Town, South Africa, described the scene, saying: 'We just heard people screaming and a crowd running away, so we obviously took cover.'
- The incident occurred during Greece's first heatwave of the summer, coinciding with the main tourism season.
A 60-year-old man attacked two American tourists with a knife near the Acropolis in Athens on July 21, injuring a 73-year-old man and a 78-year-old woman. The victims were offered medical aid, and their injuries were reported as not life-threatening by police officials.
The assailant, who was arrested at the scene, had a history of mental health issues and a criminal record, having been previously hospitalized and arrested for knife possession. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with one tourist stating, "We just heard people screaming and a crowd running away, so we obviously took cover."2
Despite the incident, the Acropolis and its museum remained open to visitors, as Greece faces a significant heatwave during its peak tourism season. Local officials emphasized the importance of safety for tourists in the area, which is known for its rich historical significance and attracts millions each year.
This rare attack has raised concerns about tourist safety in Greece, a country that has seen a resurgence in tourism following the pandemic. Authorities are investigating the incident further to ensure the safety of visitors to the iconic site.
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