Mexico (AFP) – A man of Mexican nationality shot dead a Canadian woman and then committed suicide this Monday at the pyramids of Teotihuacán, in central Mexico. At least 13 foreign tourists, including a Colombian child, were injured.

First modification: 04/21/2026 - 13:13

The shooting occurred at noon in one of the most frequented Mexican pre-Hispanic sites less than two months before the 2026 World Cup opens, co-organized by Mexico, the United States and Canada.

The Canadian was between 20 and 25 years old and the aggressor, a Mexican identified as Julio César Jasso Ramírez, between 30 and 35, security authorities reported. Both had gunshot wounds to the head.

An AFP team witnessed the moment when one of the deceased, wrapped in a white bag, was carefully lowered down the steep volcanic stone stairs of the pyramid towards the Causeway of the Dead, the main path of the archaeological site.

Anna Durmont, a 37-year-old American art historian, told AFP she was inside the complex's museum when the incident occurred.

"We didn't hear the shots... but the driver who brought us saw the attacker, heard the shots and was very worried," he said.

The archaeological park, usually packed with tourists of all nationalities, was suddenly invaded by hundreds of police, national guards and lifeguards.

On the social network

Security authorities reported that 13 foreigners were injured in the incident, six of them from gunshot wounds.

Among those injured by firearms who were taken to different hospitals were a six-year-old boy and a woman from Colombia, a Canadian, a Brazilian and two Americans.

A Russian, a Brazilian, a Colombian woman and four other Americans suffered injuries from falls or blows that were treated at the scene.

Authorities had reported that there was a Dutchman among the Lesioands, but later identified him as originally from Brazil.

Red Cross rescuers treated several injured people at the foot of the pyramids, which date back to around the year 100 AD.

"Direct aggression"

The attack took place in the Pyramid of the Moon, the only one on the site where visitors are still allowed to climb the steep stairs.

According to preliminary investigations, "it seems like a direct attack," Cristóbal Castañeda, Secretary of Security of the State of Mexico, told the press.

Videos on social networks, taken from different angles, show the alleged aggressor in the middle part of the structure, about 45 meters high and where there is a kind of rest.

The individual, who in some photos can be seen with his face partially covered by a dark mask, appears to be carrying a short weapon in his hand. When a gunshot is heard, several people take cover on the ground a few meters away from the aggressor.

Federal authorities found "a firearm, a knife and useful cartridges" at the site, which remains under the protection of state police and the National Guard, according to a statement from the federal Security Cabinet.

"What happened today in Teotihuacán hurts us deeply," said President Claudia Sheinbaum on the social network X.

The facility remains under the protection of state police and elements of the National Guard who number about 300 troops.

Mexico has about 200 archaeological sites of great attraction for tourists and where some accidents have been recorded, but this is the first report of an armed attack in several decades.

Within the framework of the Soccer World Cup, whose opening will be in Mexico on June 11, the number of foreign tourists arriving at these sites is expected to increase.

Tourists

Between January and July 2025, it was the second most visited archaeological zone in Mexico, with nearly one million tourists, only behind Chichén Itzá, according to official figures.

In addition, activities such as hot air balloon flights and music festivals take place in its surroundings.

An electronic music concert starring South African DJ Black Coffee brought together thousands of people about 800 meters from the ancient temples between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

© 2026 AFP

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