ATHENS, Greece — Two tourists were stabbed near one of the world’s most famous landmarks Tuesday morning when a man attacked them close to the entrance of the Acropolis Museum in Athens, according to Greek police.
The two victims — a man and a woman, both Greek Americans — were targeted near the museum, which sits at the base of the Acropolis hill. Police said the woman received light injuries to her leg, while the man sustained more serious wounds to his arm.
Authorities took the attacker into custody, and both victims were transported to a hospital by ambulance. Police said the identity of the assailant was not immediately known, but indicated he appeared to have been experiencing psychological difficulties.
Violent attacks on the streets of Greece are uncommon. This past April, authorities arrested an 89-year-old man who allegedly opened fire with a shotgun at a social security office and a courthouse in central Athens, injuring at least four people. Reports indicated the shooting was motivated by grievances related to social security.
The Acropolis hill is home to the nearly 2,500-year-old Parthenon temple along with several other ancient monuments, drawing millions of visitors each year. Approximately 4.6 million people toured the site last year alone.
