Two American tourists stabbed near Athens Acropolis

Two American tourists were stabbed near the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in a rare violent incident at Greece's most iconic archaeological site. Police said the assailant, a man believed to be in his 50s or 60s, was quickly detained at the scene.

The attack occurred around 8 a.m. local time near the ticket desks and the entrance to the Acropolis Museum at the foot of the hill. Authorities reported that the suspect, wielding a knife, attacked a man and a woman, both identified as Greek Americans. The male victim sustained serious wounds to his arm, while the woman suffered lighter injuries to her leg. Both were transported by ambulance to a hospital for treatment, with one report indicating the man was hospitalized in serious condition at the Red Cross Hospital.

Police stated the suspect appeared to have been suffering from psychological problems. According to local media reports, the man is possibly homeless and has a prior criminal record, including previous arrests for possession of a knife and public order offenses. He remains in custody as authorities investigate the circumstances of the attack.

The Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site...