A lone gunman opened fire on tourists at the Teotihuacan archaeological site north of Mexico City on Monday, killing one Canadian woman and injuring at least 13 other people. The assailant died by suicide at the scene. Mexican authorities have since announced increased security measures at tourist destinations nationwide.
The Incident
The shooting occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m. local time at the Pyramid of the Moon, one of the major structures within the Teotihuacan complex. Dozens of tourists were present at the time.
According to witness accounts and a tour guide at the scene, the gunman began firing from the pyramid's platform. Tourists responded by descending the steps, lying face down on the ground, or remaining motionless on the platform to avoid being targeted. Some visitors fell while attempting to escape.
Video and photographic evidence published by local media showed a man standing with a gun on top of a pyramid while people took cover. Multiple gunshots were audible in the footage. One witness reported hearing 20 to 30 gunshots. The incident was reported to have lasted approximately 25 minutes.
Casualties
The deceased victim was identified as a 32-year-old female tourist from Canada.
At least 13 other people were injured. Mexican authorities reported that seven individuals were wounded by gunfire, while others sustained injuries from falls during the evacuation.
The injured individuals taken to hospitals included:
- Six citizens of the United States
- Three citizens of Colombia
- Two citizens of Brazil
- One citizen of Russia
- One citizen of the Netherlands
- One citizen of Canada
The ages of the injured ranged from 6 to 61 years old. As of Tuesday morning, Mexican authorities reported that the injured patients were in stable condition. Five victims had been released from the hospital by early Tuesday.
The Attacker
Authorities identified the assailant as 27-year-old Julio César Jasso Ramírez, a native of Guerrero, Mexico. Officials confirmed he acted alone.
Security officials recovered a gun, a knife, and ammunition at the scene. The gunman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to investigators, the gunman had scouted the site before the attack. Materials found with him included books, handwritten notes, and an analog cellphone. Authorities stated the materials referenced attacks in the United States in April 1999, which officials indicated was a likely reference to the Columbine High School shooting.
The state prosecutor said investigators built a profile of the suspect "characterized by a tendency to copy situations that occurred in other places, at other times and involving other figures."
Official Response
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated the shooting would be investigated and that she was in contact with the Canadian Embassy. She described the attack as "an isolated incident" not previously seen in such a public space in Mexico and noted the importance of analyzing "external influences" that may provoke such violence.
Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed that a Canadian was killed and another wounded, and stated Canadian authorities were working with Mexican officials. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney offered condolences.
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson expressed concern and stated the U.S. is ready to provide support.
Security Measures
Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch ordered security forces to strengthen security at archaeological sites and major tourist destinations nationwide. Planned measures include:
- Increasing the presence of the Mexican National Guard
- Boosting security checks
- Fortifying surveillance systems
- Implementing "cyber patrols"
The National Institute of Anthropology and History stated the Teotihuacan archaeological site would remain closed until further notice. Local guides noted that security scans were previously conducted at the site entrance but had since been discontinued.
Context
The Teotihuacan pyramids are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mexico's most important tourist destinations, drawing over 1.8 million international visitors last year.
The attack occurred less than two months before Mexico is scheduled to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the United States and Canada. The government has previously announced plans to deploy 100,000 security forces and establish security perimeters in host cities for the tournament.