A Canadian woman has been killed and 13 others injured following a planned shooting attack at the ancient Teotihuacán pyramids in Mexico. The incident, which occurred on Monday at the popular historical site outside Mexico City, left multiple international visitors wounded before the gunman took his own life.
Details of the Attack
Mexican officials identified the shooter as Julio César Jasso Ramírez, a Mexican national. Police recovered a firearm, a bladed weapon, and live cartridges at the scene.
Thirteen people, ranging in age from six to 61, were treated in hospital. Seven of those victims were struck by gunfire, including a second Canadian identified as 29-year-old Delicia Li de Yong.
Other injured victims include six people from the United States, three from Colombia, and one person each from Russia, Brazil, and the Netherlands.
Witness Accounts of Chaos
Barb Welsh, a resident of Burnaby, B.C., described the scene as “horrible” and “unbelievable.” She reported seeing people falling and rolling down the steep pyramids “just like a waterfall” as they tried to escape the gunfire.
Welsh stated that the shots lasted for “at least” 20 minutes. She and her group were able to flee to the parking lot after she had turned back from a climb due to the effects of the altitude.
Diplomatic and Government Response
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his condolences to the victim’s family on Tuesday, describing the event as a “terrible circumstance” and a “sad day.” He noted that Canada is working closely with Mexican authorities.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand vowed to “leave no stone unturned” to ensure a full investigation into the murder of a Canadian citizen on Mexican soil. Consular officials are currently assisting the remaining victims.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed solidarity with the victims and promised to strengthen security around main tourist destinations and archaeological zones.
Safety Implications and Next Steps
Canada’s travel advice for Mexico, last updated March 31, warns citizens to exercise a “high degree” of caution due to kidnapping and high levels of criminal activity.
While Mexico state is not currently under a regional non-travel advisory, Minister Anand indicated that the bilateral relationship is being examined. Canada may review its travel advisories, though Minister Anand did not confirm if this specific shooting would trigger a change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the shooter in the Teotihuacán attack?
The shooter was identified by local prosecutors as Julio César Jasso Ramírez, a Mexican national, who killed himself following the attack.
Which nationalities were among the injured?
The injured included two Canadians, six people from the U.S., three from Colombia, and one person each from Russia, Brazil, and the Netherlands.
What was the motive behind the shooting?
Officials stated the shooting was a planned attack, noting the gunman carried materials related to the 1999 Columbine High School shooting and timed the attack for the 27th anniversary of that massacre.
How should international tourist sites balance open access with the demand for heightened security?
