Judge shot dead in Albania courtroom

A man on trial opened fire in a courtroom in the Albanian capital, Tirana, on Monday, October 6, 2025, killing the judge and injuring two other people.

Police confirmed the incident, saying the gunman fled the scene but was later arrested.

Police said the judge, Astrit Kalaja, was shot inside the courtroom by a 30-year-old suspect with the initials E Sh.

Kalaja died while being taken to a hospital.

The gunman also shot two other people involved in the hearing, police said, adding that their injuries were not life-threatening.

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Authorities have not provided details about any motive or the nature of the case being heard. The case listing found on the court’s website referred to a property.

Local reports said police later arrested the suspect and also found a revolver alleged to have been used.

After sweeping judicial changes launched in 2016 with support from the European Union and United States, tens of thousands of cases in Albania have been delayed for years.

The Star