Drive-by shooting
October 28, 2009
The masked gunmen stopped their motorcycles in front a police station in a suburb of Athens and fired at least 40 rounds with automatic rifles into the building before driving away. Six officers were wounded in the attack in Agia Paraskevi. Two had critical injuries. A bystander who witnessed the attack was also treated for shock.
Greece's Civil Protection Minister Mihalis Chryssohoidis visited some of the victims in the hospital and spoke with reporters afterward.
"Our response will be immediate and resolute," he said. "Coward murderers will be arrested and brought before justice."
Greece's new Socialist government has vowed to crack down on criminal activities from far-left militants and self-proclaimed anarchist groups.
Violence in the country has spiked since police shot a teenager in December 2008, triggering wide-spread riots. Businesses, government institutions, and the police have been frequent targets of the attacks.
Before Tuesday's shooting, Greek police announced a reward of 600,000 euros ($890,000) for information on three individuals believed to be linked to domestic terror organizations.
mz/AFP/dpa/Reuters
Editor: Nancy Isenson