Gunman Opens Fire at Teotihuacan Pyramids, Killing One Tourist and Injuring 13

A Canadian woman was killed, and at least 13 other people were injured after a gunman opened fire at Mexico’s famous Teotihuacan pyramids, a major tourist and archaeological destination outside Mexico City, authorities have confirmed.

The attacker later died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to local officials.

The State of Mexico said seven of the injured victims had been directly shot, while others were hurt after falling while trying to escape the attack.

Victims included tourists from Colombia, Russia, and Canada. Authorities said they were transported to nearby hospitals, though the severity of their injuries has not yet been fully disclosed.

“The extent of their injuries was not immediately clear,” officials noted.

Gunman Identified as Panic Spreads Among Visitors

Local prosecutors identified the suspected attacker as Julio Cesar Jasso Ramirez, a Mexican national.

No further details about his background or possible motive were immediately released.

Videos and photos shared by local media show a man standing on a pyramid platform firing a weapon as terrified tourists take cover.

A tour guide, who was present during the incident and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, described the terrifying scene:

“Some people, because they were scared … threw themselves face down on the ground, and the rest of us started to go down,” the guide said.

The guide added that as tourists tried to flee, the shooter continued firing: “…the shooter, upon seeing the tourists descending the pyramid’s steps, began firing.”

Some visitors reportedly lay motionless on the pyramid’s platform to avoid being targeted.

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Emergency Response at the Archaeological Site

Police officers stationed at the site were the first to respond, with National Guard units arriving shortly after to secure the area and assist victims.

“The presence of elements from the state Secretariat of Security will be maintained,” said Mexico State Governor Delfina Gómez Álvarez in a post on X.

Victims were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical care.

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Government Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said she was closely monitoring the situation and confirmed that federal authorities were coordinating with international partners.

“I have instructed the Security Cabinet to thoroughly investigate these events and provide all necessary support,” Sheinbaum wrote on X.

She added:

“Personnel from the Secretariat of the Interior and Culture are already heading to the site to provide assistance and accompaniment, along with local authorities.”

The government is also in contact with the Canadian embassy following the death of a Canadian national.

Security Concerns at World-Famous Tourist Site

The Teotihuacan pyramids, one of Mesoamerica’s most significant pre-Hispanic cultural centres, attract thousands of visitors each year.

The attack has renewed concerns about security at major tourist destinations in Mexico, coming just months ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which Mexico will co-host with the United States and Canada.

It also follows a recent surge in violence in parts of the country linked to organised crime activity, raising broader questions about public safety.

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A Canadian woman has been killed and at least 13 others injured after a gunman opened fire at Mexico’s Teotihuacan pyramids on April 20, 2026. PHOTO/AP