Mexico strengthens security protocols at archaeological heritage sites
Mexico strengthens security at archaeological sites after Teotihuacán shooting incident.
Event / Security
Mass shooting incident at Teotihuacán archaeological site in Mexico with multiple casualties and injuries
2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 21 Apr, 01:36 UTC
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A tactical-style backpack found at the scene contained literature, images, and manuscripts related to violent incidents from April 1999, an apparent reference to the Columbine High School shooting. The shooter also carried a single .38 Special Smith & Wesson revolver dating from 1968 and a knife. Media reports indicated the killer was a far-right fanatic and admirer of Hitler.
Authorities identified the shooter as Julio César Jasso Ramírez, a 27-year-old native of Guerrero, Mexico. He acted alone according to authorities. He was shot once in the leg during an exchange of fire with police and National Guard troops before taking his own life at the scene.
A gunman fired on tourists at the Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacán archaeological site on Monday around 11:30 a.m., killing a Canadian woman. The shooting occurred while dozens of tourists were at the top of the pyramid. The gunman fired upward at visitors, causing panic and injuries.
Mexican authorities pledged to bolster security at archaeological sites, likely by installing metal detectors. Currently, visitors to most archaeological parks face little screening. President Claudia Sheinbaum stated this was an unprecedented incident that should not deter visitors.
At least 13 people were injured in the shooting at Teotihuacán, including seven people with gunshot wounds. The injured included six U.S. citizens, three from Colombia, one from Russia, one from Brazil, one from the Netherlands, and one from Canada. Victims ranged in age from 6 to 61 years old, with some injuries sustained while people fled or fell during the panic.
Mexican federal security chief Omar García Harfuch assured that security protocols are in place for the World Cup soccer tournament scheduled to begin in June, which will draw hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the globe.
Mexico's iconic Teotihuacán pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were closed on Tuesday following the shooting. The site is one of Mexico's most important tourist destinations, drawing more than 1.8 million international visitors annually.
The attack took place on April 20, which is both Adolf Hitler's birthday and the anniversary of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting in Colorado. Authorities characterized the shooter as a copycat who admired foreign school shooters and meticulously planned the attack, scouting the area for days and staying in a nearby hotel.
The gunman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following the shooting at Teotihuacán pyramids. Mexican authorities also recovered a gun, a knife, and ammunition from the scene.
A man with a gun opened fire at the historic Teotihuacán pyramids, a major tourist destination located approximately one hour north of Mexico City. The shooting occurred on Monday at the site, which is one of Mexico's most important tourist attractions, having drawn more than 1.8 million international visitors in the previous year.
One Canadian tourist was killed in the shooting at Teotihuacán pyramids. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed solidarity with the affected individuals and their families and stated she was in contact with the Canadian Embassy regarding the incident.
Six people were injured in the shooting at Teotihuacán pyramids. The injured included tourists from Colombia, Russia, and Canada. Four people were wounded by gunshots while two additional people were injured from falls and were taken to hospitals for treatment.
Mexico strengthens security at archaeological sites after Teotihuacán shooting incident.
Shooter possessed mass shooting literature; attack occurred on date significant to extremist violence history.
Canadian tourist killed, six injured in Teotihuacán shooting; gunman dead from self-inflicted wound.