Teotihuacan Pyramids Shut After Gunman's Attack Kills Tourist, Injures 13
Mexico's iconic Teotihuacan pyramids have been closed indefinitely following a violent incident where a lone gunman opened fire on tourists, resulting in the death of a Canadian woman and injuries to at least 13 other individuals, including a 6-year-old boy. The attack occurred at the archaeological site north of Mexico City, prompting immediate closure for safety and investigation purposes.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The shooting took place shortly after 11:30 a.m. on Monday, with dozens of tourists present at the top of the Pyramid of the Moon. According to a tour guide who spoke anonymously to The Associated Press, the gunman fired upward as tourists were descending the pyramid's steps. "Some people, because they were scared ... threw themselves face-down on the ground, and the rest of us started to go down," the guide recounted, describing the chaotic scene. Another group of visitors reportedly lay motionless on the pyramid's platform to avoid being targeted.
Victims and Injuries
Authorities confirmed that seven people were wounded by gunshots, while the nature of the other injuries was not fully disclosed, though some individuals fell when the shooting began, including those climbing the pyramids. The injured were taken to hospitals and include:
- Six people from the United States
- Three from Colombia
- One from Russia
- One from Brazil
- One from the Netherlands
- One from Canada
The youngest victim is 6 years old, and the oldest is 61, according to Mexican authorities. In an update on Tuesday morning, Mexico's security cabinet reported that the injured patients were being treated at a clinic after spending the night in stable condition.
Identification of the Attacker
The assailant has been identified as 27-year-old Julio César Jasso Ramírez, a native of Guerrero, Mexico. Authorities stated that he acted alone and subsequently shot and killed himself at the scene. Security officials recovered a gun, a knife, and ammunition from the location.
José Luis Cervantes Martínez, the attorney general of the state of Mexico, which includes Teotihuacan, revealed that the attacker carried a tactical-style backpack containing an analog cellphone and bus tickets. Martínez also noted the presence of "literature, images and manuscripts" related to "violent incidents known to have occurred in the United States in April 1999," an apparent reference to the deadly Columbine High School shooting in Colorado.
Impact on Tourism and Site Significance
The Teotihuacan pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a series of massive structures built by three different ancient civilizations and are located on the outskirts of Mexico City. As one of Mexico's most important tourist destinations, the site attracted over 1.8 million international visitors last year, according to government figures. The closure is expected to have significant repercussions for local tourism and the economy, with authorities prioritizing safety and a thorough investigation into the incident.
This tragic event has raised concerns about security at major tourist attractions in Mexico, highlighting the need for enhanced measures to protect visitors. The investigation is ongoing, with officials working to determine the full motive behind the attack and ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.
