Gunman Opens Fire at Teotihuacan Pyramids, Killing Canadian Tourist and Injuring 13 Others
A shooting at Mexico's Teotihuacan pyramids resulted in the death of a Canadian tourist and injuries to 13 others; the gunman, influenced by past mass shootings, took his own life at the scene.
On April 20, 2026, a gunman opened fire at the Teotihuacan pyramids near Mexico City, resulting in the death of a Canadian woman and injuries to at least 13 others. The attacker, identified as 27-year-old Julio César Jasso Ramírez, acted alone and died by suicide after being confronted by security forces.
Authorities discovered that Jasso carried materials referencing the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, including AI-generated images and handwritten notes. He appeared to have scouted the location in advance, arriving a day earlier and beginning the assault from atop the Pyramid of the Moon, using an old revolver and carrying more than 50 rounds of ammunition.
The victims included tourists from the United States, Colombia, Russia, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Canada, ranging in age from 6 to 61. Witnesses reported the shooter fired sporadically and voiced hatred for tourists.
In response to the attack, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called for tighter gun controls at tourist sites, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Teotihuacan site was temporarily closed following the incident but has since reopened with increased security measures. The attack occurred just weeks before Mexico is set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting national security leaders to announce stronger security measures at tourist sites.