Gunman at pyramids north of Mexico City kills 1 Canadian tourist, injures several

A man opened fire at Mexico’s iconic Teotihuacán pyramids on Monday, killing a Canadian tourist and injuring six others before taking his own life, according to Mexican authorities.

The shooting occurred at the popular archaeological site located approximately one hour north of Mexico City, sending visitors scrambling for safety amid the ancient structures that attract millions of international tourists annually.

Local government officials reported that four victims sustained gunshot wounds while two others were injured from falls during the chaotic scene. The injured include tourists from Colombia, Russia, and Canada who were transported to nearby hospitals. The severity of their injuries has not been fully disclosed.

Eyewitness accounts paint a terrifying picture of the incident. A tour guide, speaking anonymously to protect his employment, described leading a group down one of the pyramids when the shooting began around 11:30 a.m.

“When he saw that we were descending he began to shoot downward,” the guide recounted. The assailant reportedly alternated between firing into the air and targeting people’s legs, with the guide estimating between 20 and 30 shots were fired before security personnel arrived at the scene.

Video footage circulating in local news outlets shows the armed man positioned atop one of the pyramids while visitors sought cover. Additional footage captured by the tour guide revealed a woman with blood covering her back limping away from the scene, and another visitor receiving first aid for an arm injury.

The guide noted that security protocols at Teotihuacán had changed in recent years. While staff previously conducted security screenings at entry points, these measures had been discontinued, potentially allowing the gunman to bring weapons into the site undetected.

Following the incident, security officials recovered a gun, a knife, and ammunition at the scene. Authorities are now investigating the shooter’s motives and how he was able to bring weapons into the archaeological site.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the tragedy on social media, expressing profound sorrow over the incident. “What happened today in Teotihuacán deeply pains us. I express my most sincere solidarity with the affected individuals and their families,” she wrote. Sheinbaum also confirmed she was in contact with the Canadian Embassy regarding the situation.

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Anita Anand, acknowledged the “horrific act of gun violence” on the social platform X, confirming that one Canadian citizen had been killed and another wounded. “My thoughts are with their family and loved ones,” she stated.

The Teotihuacán archaeological complex represents one of Mexico’s most significant cultural treasures and tourism attractions. The site features massive structures built by three distinct ancient civilizations and draws substantial international interest. According to government data, more than 1.8 million international visitors explored the archaeological zone last year alone.

The incident raises concerns about security at Mexico’s popular tourist destinations, which are vital to the country’s economy. Tourism officials will likely face pressure to review and potentially enhance safety measures at archaeological sites and other attractions frequented by international visitors.

Violence at major tourist sites is relatively uncommon in Mexico, which makes Monday’s shooting particularly shocking for a country that relies heavily on tourism revenue. While parts of Mexico have struggled with cartel-related violence, major archaeological sites and tourist areas have generally maintained stronger security presences.

Authorities have not released information about the shooter’s identity or possible motivations as the investigation continues.