Shooting at Mexico's Teotihuacan pyramids: Canadian woman dead, 13 injured, gunman killed himself

A 32-year-old Canadian woman was shot dead by a gunman at the Teotihuacan pyramids in northern Mexico on Apr. 20.

Mexican authorities said at least 13 people were wounded in the incident.

The number of people who were shot was not immediately clear.

According to a witness who spoke to Reuters, a young boy was shot in the leg.

Among the wounded were six Americans, three Colombians, one Russian, two Brazilians, and one Canadian.

The youngest person wounded was a six-year-old, while the oldest was a 61-year-old.

The incident

The shooting began at about 11am at the Pyramid of the Moon, the witness claimed.

The area is a well-known tourist attraction.

The witness had just descended from the temple’s mezzanine when they heard “pops” and saw a stampede of visitors.

The gunman remained at the top of the mezzanine.

He appeared to fire most shots in the air, rather than directly at people, while carrying a digital tablet and shouting.

Bystanders rendered first aid to the injured and used water bottles and clean cloths to stem the bleeding until paramedics arrived.

The gunman then apparently shot and killed himself.

Gunman identified

A state official identified the gunman as Julio Cesar Jasso Ramirez, a 27-year-old Mexican, Associated Press reported.

Security officials recovered a firearm, a knife, and ammunition at the scene.

According to the Mexican authorities, Jasso was the sole assailant in the shooting.

Wounded

Authorities said seven people were shot and wounded.

The extent of their injuries was not disclosed.

Several people fell when the shooting occurred, and some were still climbing the pyramids.

The wounded had been taken to hospitals for treatment.

Set to increase security

The shooting comes seven weeks before the first match of the Fifa World Cup in Mexico City.

It is set to increase scrutiny of Mexico’s security at major tourist and cultural sites.

The event is expected to draw millions of visitors from abroad.

The Teotihuacan pyramids will also host an immersive night time show for tourists during the 2026 World Cup, according to the Mexican government.

While shooting incidents frequently occur in Mexico due to cartel activity, violence at tourist attractions is rare.

Photos from Google Photos and Reddit