Mexico City: A tragic shooting at one of Mexico’s most visited archaeological sites has left a Canadian citizen dead and at least 13 others injured after a gunman opened fire from atop a historic pyramid.
The incident took place at the Teotihuacan complex, located north of Mexico City, where a large number of visitors had gathered. Authorities said the attacker positioned himself on the Pyramid of the Moon before firing multiple rounds at tourists below.
Officials confirmed that the gunman later took his own life. Security personnel recovered a firearm, ammunition, and a knife from the scene. The identity of the attacker has not yet been disclosed.
According to preliminary reports, several of the injured were foreign nationals, including citizens from the United States, Colombia, Brazil, Russia, and Canada. Emergency responders rushed the wounded to nearby hospitals, while the area was immediately sealed off.
Eyewitness accounts described scenes of panic as gunfire rang out shortly after 11:30 am. Videos circulating on social media showed tourists scrambling for safety as shots echoed across the site.
A tour guide present at the location said the attacker initially fired into the air, triggering confusion among visitors. “Some people dropped to the ground to avoid being seen, while others tried to run down the pyramid as quickly as possible,” the guide said.
One tourist from Canada recounted that many initially mistook the sound of gunshots for firecrackers. “Within moments, someone shouted that it was real gunfire, and people began rushing down in fear,” she said in an interview with CTV News.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences over the loss of life and confirmed that a full investigation has been launched. She also stated that her government is in contact with Canadian authorities following the incident.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and investigators are working to piece together the circumstances leading up to the shooting at the popular tourist destination.
