Officials were present at the Teotihuacan pyramids near Mexico City on Monday following the incident. Reuters
A shooting at the ancient Teotihuacan pyramids has left one Canadian tourist dead and several others injured. The attack took place Monday morning at one of Mexico’s most visited historical landmarks, sending panic through crowds of visitors.
Authorities said an armed man climbed onto a pyramid and opened fire on people nearby. The attacker later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officials recovered a firearm, ammunition, and a knife at the scene.
Victims include tourists from several countries
Emergency teams rushed the injured to nearby hospitals. Officials confirmed that at least 13 people suffered injuries. Among them were six Americans, three Colombians, two Brazilians, one Russian, and one Canadian.
Seven people sustained gunshot wounds, while authorities did not immediately explain how the others were hurt. Reports also confirmed that a child was among those injured, though none of the injuries were considered life-threatening.
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said, “As a result of a horrific act of gun violence, a Canadian was killed and another wounded in Teotihuacan, Mexico. My thoughts are with their family and loved ones.”
Chaos unfolds at the pyramid
The shooting began before noon as visitors gathered around the Pyramid of the Moon. Witnesses described a scene of fear and confusion as gunfire echoed across the site.
A tour guide present at the time said people reacted quickly to protect themselves. “Some people, because they were scared . . . threw themselves face down on the ground, and the rest of us started to go down,” the guide said.
Forensic teams and Red Cross workers carry a body from the Pyramid of the Moon at the Teotihuacan site after a shooting incident in Mexico on Monday. Getty Images
He added that the gunman started firing when he saw tourists moving down the steps. Some visitors remained still on the platform, hoping to avoid drawing attention.
Emergency response and investigation
Security officers stationed at the site responded quickly, followed by members of the National Guard. First responders provided medical aid while clearing the area.
Officials have begun a full investigation into the incident. Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, expressed concern and support for those affected. “What happened today in Teotihuacan deeply pains us. I express my most sincere solidarity with the affected individuals and their families,” she said.
She confirmed that authorities would look into the events and remain in contact with Canadian officials.
Canada’s ambassador to Mexico, Cameron MacKay, also shared condolences, saying he felt deeply saddened by the tragedy.
Safety concerns raised at popular landmark
The Teotihuacan site attracts millions of visitors each year. Located just outside Mexico City, it stands as one of the country’s most important cultural landmarks.
In the past, staff carried out security checks at entry points, but those measures have not been consistently enforced in recent years. The incident has raised concerns about safety at major tourist destinations.
Authorities continue to review security practices as part of the investigation.
