An armed man standing atop the Pyramid of the Moon at the Teotihuacan archaeological site opened fire on tourists Monday, killing one Canadian and injuring at least 13 people, authorities said. The shooting took place shortly after 11:30 a.m. when dozens of visitors were at the summit of the pyramid.
Authorities later identified the shooter as 27-year-old Julio Cesar Jasso of Mexico. Officials said Jasso died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Security personnel recovered a firearm, a knife and ammunition at the scene, and the State of Mexico government said he was the sole assailant.
Local authorities reported that seven people were wounded by gunfire; the remaining injuries appeared to result from falls or other trauma as people fled or climbed down the pyramids. Those taken to hospitals included six Americans, three Colombians, one Russian, two Brazilians and one Canadian. Mexican officials said the injured ranged in age from 6 to 61.
Video and photographs published by local media showed a man with a gun on top of the pyramid as tourists ducked for cover and gunshots rang out. A tour guide at the site said the shooter initially fired upward and then continued firing as people descended the pyramid steps. Many visitors dropped to the ground or lay motionless on platforms to avoid being struck; some witnesses said they first mistook the sounds for firecrackers before realizing it was gunfire.
The Teotihuacan complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the outskirts of Mexico City, is a major tourist destination built by ancient civilizations. Mexican government figures show the site drew more than 1.8 million international visitors last year. A local guide noted that staff used to carry out security scans before entry in past years but that such checks have since stopped.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said the incident will be investigated and that she was in contact with the Canadian embassy. Canada’s foreign affairs minister, Anita Anand, confirmed a Canadian fatality and a second Canadian injured, and extended condolences. U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson expressed deep concern and said the United States stands ready to provide support as Mexican authorities continue their investigation.
The National Institute of Anthropology and History said the Teotihuacan archaeological site will remain closed until further notice.