Two Greek-American tourists were rushed to the hospital Tuesday morning after a knife-wielding man allegedly attacked them outside the Acropolis in Athens.
The frightening incident unfolded at approximately 8:05 a.m., shortly after the Acropolis Museum opened for the day, according to police.
Witnesses said a man carrying a knife had been threatening pedestrians near the museum entrance before the attack. A bystander called emergency services, but the suspect allegedly stabbed the couple before officers arrived.
The victims were identified as a 53-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman.
Police said the man suffered serious blood loss and required urgent medical treatment. The woman sustained less severe injuries to her hands and legs.
Both victims were transported to a hospital and were reported to be in stable condition.
Emergency crews, including an ambulance and a rapid-response paramedic motorcycle unit, rushed to the scene. Officers and paramedics reportedly placed a tourniquet on the man’s wounds before taking him to the hospital because of the severity of his bleeding.
A 60-year-old suspect was taken into custody at the scene.
Members of the Hellenic Police rapid-response unit and the Athens Police Directorate were able to subdue and disarm the suspect before detaining him, authorities said.
The attack occurred near the south entrance to the Acropolis archaeological site, directly across from the Acropolis Museum and its main ticket booths.
The area is one of Athens’ busiest tourist destinations and is typically packed with visitors, tour groups and families, especially during the summer travel season.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about a possible motive.
The investigation remains ongoing.
