A 32-year-old Canadian woman has been killed and 13 others injured after a shooting at Mexico’s historic Teotihuacán archaeological site, authorities have confirmed. The attacker later died by suicide.
The incident took place at the ancient pyramid complex, one of Mexico’s most visited tourist destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located near Mexico City.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences and solidarity with the victims, saying she was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Canadian embassy.
“What happened today in Teotihuacán deeply pains us. I express my most sincere solidarity with the affected individuals and their families,” she wrote on social media.
Mexico’s security cabinet said those injured range in age from six to 61. Foreign nationals, including citizens of Canada, Colombia and Russia, were among the wounded.
Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand confirmed that a Canadian citizen was killed and another was injured, adding that consular assistance is being provided.
Local prosecutors identified the gunman as Mexican national Julio César Jasso Ramírez, though no further details have been released. Authorities said a firearm, a bladed weapon and live ammunition were recovered at the scene.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as gunshots rang out across the archaeological site. A British tourist couple told the BBC they saw crowds running toward exits as the sound of gunfire grew louder.
“There was a big push and panic of everybody running at the same time to get out,” the couple said, adding that no coordinated evacuation appeared to be in place.
According to witnesses cited by Reuters, the attacker was positioned on the Pyramid of the Moon and appeared to fire multiple shots into the air before the chaos unfolded. A young boy was reportedly among those injured.
Tourists said confusion spread quickly as visitors tried to flee the site, with some still entering while others were escaping. Security at the entrance has also come under scrutiny, with witnesses claiming they were not subjected to checks.
Teotihuacán, an ancient city predating the Aztecs, is famous for its massive pyramids and is a major cultural landmark in Mexico. The site is also set to host an immersive nighttime attraction during this year’s FIFA World Cup festivities.
The shooting has raised fresh concerns over security in Mexico just weeks before the country co-hosts the tournament. Authorities have previously pledged a major security deployment of nearly 100,000 personnel to ensure visitor safety amid ongoing cartel-related violence in parts of the country.
Despite widespread criminal activity in Mexico, attacks involving tourists at major heritage sites remain rare.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.