A shocking act of violence unfolded at the Court of Appeal in Tirana, Albania, on Monday, resulting in the tragic death of Judge Astrit Kalaja. The incident occurred during a hearing related to a property dispute, where a 30-year-old suspect, identified as Elvis Shkëmbi, opened fire. Judge Kalaja succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital, while two other individuals involved in the hearing—a father and son—were injured but are expected to recover. Authorities swiftly arrested the suspect, along with his uncle and a court security guard, as investigations continue. Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his condolences to the judge’s family, emphasizing the need for stringent legal action against the perpetrator and advocating for enhanced court security and stricter penalties for illegal firearm possession. Opposition leader Sali Berisha highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that this marks the first time in 35 years that a judge has been killed while performing their duties. Local media reports suggest that the suspect acted out of fear of losing the case. This incident echoes a similar tragedy a decade ago in Milan, where a judge was fatally shot during a bankruptcy trial. Judge Kalaja, a seasoned legal professional with over three decades of experience, had served in the district court before his appointment to the Court of Appeal in 2019. The event has reignited concerns about gun violence and judicial safety in Albania.