MEXICO CITY — A tragic shooting at the historic Teotihuacan pyramids near Mexico City has left one Canadian woman dead and at least 13 others injured, in what authorities describe as an unusual act of violence at one of the country’s most visited tourist sites.
The incident occurred late Monday morning at the Pyramid of the Moon, a major structure within the archaeological complex. According to officials, the gunman — identified as Mexican national Julio Cesar Jasso Ramirez — opened fire before taking his own life.
Witnesses at the scene described a sudden eruption of chaos just after 11 a.m. One individual recounted hearing what sounded like popping noises before crowds began to panic and flee. The attacker reportedly remained positioned on an elevated section of the structure, firing multiple shots — many of them seemingly into the air — while shouting and holding a digital device.
Emergency responders confirmed that 13 people sustained injuries, though it remains unclear how many were directly struck by gunfire. Among the injured were foreign nationals, including citizens of the United States, Colombia, Brazil, and Russia. A six-year-old Colombian child was also among those hospitalised. Canadian authorities later confirmed that a second Canadian citizen was wounded in the attack.
Bystanders were among the first to respond, administering basic first aid using available materials such as water bottles and cloth to control bleeding before paramedics arrived.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the victims and their families. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand also acknowledged the tragedy, confirming the involvement of Canadian citizens.
The shooting has raised fresh concerns about security at major tourist destinations in Mexico, particularly as the country prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. The global event is expected to attract millions of visitors, placing increased pressure on authorities to ensure safety at cultural and public landmarks.
The ancient city of Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Mexico’s most iconic attractions, drawing nearly 2 million visitors annually. Known for its monumental pyramids and historical significance in Mesoamerican civilisation, the site has long been considered a safe destination for tourists.
While Mexico continues to grapple with violence linked to organised crime, attacks of this nature at prominent tourist sites remain rare, making Monday’s events particularly shocking. Investigations into the motive behind the shooting are ongoing.
Sources: Reuters
