MEXICO CITY — A gunman on top of a pyramid at the Teotihuacan archaeological site opened fire on tourists Monday, killing one Canadian and injuring at least 13 others, Mexican authorities said. The attack took place shortly after 11:30 a.m. on the Pyramid of the Moon, north of Mexico City.
Authorities identified the shooter as 27-year-old Julio Cesar Jasso, according to a state official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Officials later said Jasso died of 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 lone assailant.
Seven people suffered gunshot wounds; other injuries resulted when visitors fell or were hurt while fleeing. Those taken to hospitals included six Americans, three Colombians, one Russian, two Brazilians and one Canadian. Mexican officials said the youngest injured person was 6 and the oldest 61.
Video and photos circulated by local media showed a man standing with a gun on the pyramid as tourists ducked and tried to escape. A tour guide at the site, speaking to the AP on the condition of anonymity, said the gunman fired upward from the summit and again as people descended the steps. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with some initially mistaking the shots for firecrackers and others throwing themselves to the ground to avoid being hit.
Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mexico’s top tourist destinations, drew more than 1.8 million international visitors last year. A local guide told reporters that staff used to perform security scans before entry but that those checks have since stopped.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said the shooting will be investigated and that she was in contact with the Canadian Embassy. Canada’s foreign affairs minister, Anita Anand, confirmed on social media that a Canadian was killed and another wounded. U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson expressed deep concern and offered U.S. support for the ongoing investigation.
The National Institute of Anthropology and History announced the Teotihuacan site will remain closed until further notice.