Tourist Killed and Multiple Injured in Shooting at Mexico's Historic Pyramids
A horrifying shooting incident unfolded at Mexico's renowned Teotihuacan archaeological site on Monday, resulting in the death of one tourist and leaving at least thirteen others injured. The attack occurred when an armed man positioned himself atop one of the ancient pyramids and began firing upon visitors below.
Details of the Attack and Casualties
Authorities have identified the shooter as 27-year-old Mexican national Julio Cesar Jasso. According to officials from the State of Mexico government, Jasso later died from a self-inflicted wound and was confirmed to be the sole assailant in the attack. The incident took place shortly after 11:30 a.m. local time when dozens of tourists were visiting the Pyramid of the Moon.
The local government reported that seven people sustained gunshot wounds, while others were injured during the chaotic evacuation. Witnesses described how some visitors fell while attempting to flee, with injuries ranging from gunshot wounds to trauma from falls. Among those taken to hospitals for treatment were six Americans, three Colombians, one Russian, two Brazilians, and one Canadian. The ages of the injured ranged from 6 to 61 years old.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Chaos
Video and photographic evidence published by local media captured the terrifying scene, showing Jasso standing with a firearm on top of the pyramid while tourists sought cover below. Multiple gunshots can be heard in the footage, painting a picture of the panic that ensued.
Brenda Lee, a tourist from Vancouver, British Columbia, recounted her experience to CTV News. "Before we knew it, someone said, 'No, that's gunfire, run,' and we saw people coming off the top," she described. "There were thousands of people there and there were a lot of gunshots that just kept coming."
A tour guide present at the scene, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity for safety reasons, provided additional details. "Some people, because they were scared ... threw themselves face down on the ground, and the rest of us started to go down," the guide explained, noting that the shooter began firing as tourists descended the pyramid's steps.
International Response and Site Closure
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed profound sorrow over the incident on social media, stating that the shooting would be thoroughly investigated and that she was in direct communication 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.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed on X that "a Canadian was killed and another wounded in Teotihuacán" as a result of what she termed a "horrific act of gun violence." She extended her thoughts to the victims' families and loved ones.
Later in the evening, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson expressed "deep concern" and sadness over the deaths and numerous injuries, stating on X that the United States stands "ready to provide support as needed while Mexican authorities continue their investigation."
Historical Significance and Security Concerns
The Teotihuacan pyramids, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represent one of Mexico's most significant archaeological treasures. Constructed by three different ancient civilizations, the massive structures on the outskirts of Mexico City attract millions of visitors annually, with government figures indicating over 1.8 million international visitors last year alone.
In response to the tragedy, the National Institute of Anthropology and History announced that the Teotihuacán archaeological site will remain closed until further notice. This incident has raised serious questions about security measures at the popular tourist destination, with one local guide noting that staff previously conducted security scans before allowing entry but had discontinued this practice in recent years.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through Mexico's tourism industry and international community, highlighting concerns about public safety at major cultural landmarks. As investigations continue, authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
