Two judges of Iran’s Supreme Court were shot dead on Saturday, January 18 after a court staff member opened fire on them and later took his own life, a judiciary spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, the attacker – described as an “infiltrating agent” – stabbed a bodyguard before seizing his firearm and shooting at judges in the Supreme Court compound. Two of the judges, identified as Ali Razini and Mohammad Moghiseh, were killed.

The incident occurred in front of Iran’s Palace of Justice, where witnesses reported seeing three ambulances stationed inside the back courtyard after shots were fired. Officials temporarily shut down the Supreme Court building following the shooting.

“The armed individual, after killing two judges and injuring a protective officer, committed suicide while attempting to flee,” the spokesman told state media. Initial reports indicated that the suspect had been working as a service or maintenance employee at the court. The injured bodyguard is undergoing treatment for knife and gunshot wounds.

Local journalist Neda Khodayari reported that the attacker obtained a service weapon belonging to the court guard after wounding him. The judiciary has launched an investigation, and authorities have not yet provided further details on the motive behind the shooting.

Iran’s Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the country, overseeing appeals and key legal decisions. Saturday’s attack has raised concerns about security at the nation’s top judicial institutions. Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.