Judge Shot Dead in Shocking Court Attack That Left Two Others Wounded

Judge Astrit Kalaja, who had served for over three decades and joined the Tirana Court of Appeals in 2019, was presiding over a property dispute when the shooting erupted. Authorities say the attacker, a 30-year-old man identified by local media as Elvis Shkëmbi, opened fire inside the courtroom. He later died from his injuries while being rushed to the hospital.

According to police, Shkëmbi, who was referred to in official documents by the initials “E Sh,” was reportedly taken into custody before succumbing to his wounds. Two other people, a father and son involved in the court case, were also shot and taken to the hospital. Their conditions are reported as stable.

Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the attack, calling for harsher punishment for gun-related crimes. “The criminal aggression against the judge undoubtedly requires the most extreme legal response toward the aggressor,” Rama said in a statement.

Olsian Çela, the country’s general prosecutor, expressed outrage over the violence, calling it a direct blow to the integrity of the justice system. “Beyond the heartbreaking loss of one life and the injury of two others, this event strikes at the very foundation of justice and the functioning of the legal system,” he said.

Judge Kalaja, widely respected among his peers, had built a long career in Albania’s judiciary and was seen as a figure of stability in a system that has faced its share of public scrutiny.

The shooting has reignited national debate over court security and the country’s ongoing struggle with illegal firearms. Despite recent reforms and crackdowns, gun violence remains a pressing issue in Albania.

The Ministry of Justice said additional security measures are being reviewed for court facilities across the country. Local media reported that investigators are still trying to determine Shkëmbi’s motive, though early reports suggest it may have been connected to frustration over a court ruling.

As the investigation continues, many Albanians are expressing shock and anger online, with several social media users calling for “stronger laws and better protection for judges.”

This tragedy marks one of the most serious acts of courtroom violence in Albania in recent years and has sparked renewed concern about how secure legal institutions really are.

Authorities have not released details on when funeral services will be held for Judge Kalaja.