In a shocking turn of events that has reverberated around the world, a gunman unleashed terror at one of Mexico's most cherished ancient landmarks, the Teotihuacan pyramids, on April 20, 2026. The ancient site, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure drawing millions of visitors annually to marvel at its monumental pyramids and mysterious past, became the scene of unimaginable violence when a lone attacker opened fire from atop the Pyramid of the Moon. This brazen assault claimed the life of a 32-year-old Canadian tourist and left 13 others injured, shattering the sense of security that has long defined this popular destination just 40 kilometers northeast of Mexico City.
The Teotihuacan archaeological zone, often called the "City of the Gods," represents the pinnacle of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilization. Constructed between the 1st and 7th centuries A.D., it once housed an estimated 125,000 inhabitants across 20 square kilometers, featuring grand structures like the Pyramid of the Sun—the third-largest pyramid in the world—and the Pyramid of the Moon, where the tragedy unfolded. With avenues lined by temples and palaces, it symbolized power, religion, and urban planning unmatched in its era. Today, it attracts over 1.8 million international tourists each year, offering climbers a chance to ascend its steep staircases and soak in panoramic views of the Valley of Mexico.
Timeline of the Deadly Attack
The incident began around 11:30 a.m. local time on a sunny Monday morning, with the site bustling with tourists from around the globe. According to eyewitnesses and official reports, the gunman, identified as 27-year-old Julio César Jasso Ramírez, first engaged in a verbal altercation with a group of visitors near the summit of the Pyramid of the Moon. What started as an argument escalated rapidly as he drew a Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolver from his backpack and began firing indiscriminately.
Witnesses reported hearing 20 to 30 shots over several minutes. Video footage captured by terrified visitors shows the attacker ordering people to lie flat on the ancient stone platform, reloading his weapon, and then continuing to shoot at those attempting to flee down the steep stairs. Panic ensued as crowds scrambled for cover, some tumbling down the pyramid steps in their haste. The barrage ended when Jasso turned the gun on himself, dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Security forces from the State of Mexico and the Mexican National Guard arrived swiftly, securing the perimeter and transporting the wounded to Axapusco General Hospital.
Profile of the Perpetrator
Julio César Jasso Ramírez, a resident of Mexico City's Gustavo A. Madero borough, was no stranger to dark online corners. Born on September 9, 1998, the 27-year-old dressed in tactical pants and boots for the attack, carrying not only the revolver but also a knife and extra ammunition. Investigations revealed his admiration for Adolf Hitler—coincidentally, the attack fell on Hitler's birthday—and the Columbine High School shooters, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, marking the 27th anniversary of that 1999 massacre. Social media posts showed him giving Nazi salutes, wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with "Disconnect & Self-Destruct," a phrase linked to true crime enthusiasts, and even generating an AI image of himself alongside the Columbine perpetrators.
Mexican authorities, including the Attorney General's Office of the State of Mexico, have launched a formal probe into his background, online activity, and possible motives, though no manifesto was found. Early findings point to ideological extremism blending fascist sympathies with fascination for mass shootings, a rare but disturbing phenomenon even in a country grappling with cartel violence.Wikipedia entry on the incident details his voter credential found at the scene, confirming his identity.
The Victims: A Tragic Mix of Nationalities
The sole fatality was a 32-year-old Canadian woman whose name has not been publicly released out of respect for her family. Another Canadian, 26-year-old Felicia Lee, was among the injured. The 13 wounded hailed from diverse backgrounds: six Americans aged 26 to 61 (two shot), three Colombians including a 6-year-old and a 13-year-old, two Brazilians, and one Russian. Seven suffered gunshot wounds, while six others were hurt in falls during the chaos or from an anxiety attack. One victim remains in critical condition, underscoring the attack's brutality on families and children exploring history.
Tourists like these represent the everyday visitors to Teotihuacan, drawn by its allure as a day trip from Mexico City. The randomness of the violence—unlike cartel-targeted hits—has heightened global alarm.CBC News coverage highlights the Canadian connection and consular support.
Heart-Wrenching Eyewitness Testimonies
- Brenda Lee from Vancouver, British Columbia, recounted mistaking initial pops for firecrackers until a vendor yelled "Gunfire—run!" She and her friends bolted to the parking lot amid screams.
- Daniel Edwards from near Windsor, Ontario, was with his wife when he saw the gunman raise his weapon skyward; they hid behind rocks as shots echoed.
- A local tour guide heard the first shots and urged clients down the pyramid, witnessing hostages forced prone on the summit.
Cellphone videos, widely shared, depict the horror: bodies prone on ancient stones, the gunman pacing, and crowds fleeing the iconic Avenue of the Dead below. These accounts paint a picture of confusion turning to terror in seconds.
Official Responses and Investigation
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed profound sorrow, posting on social media about her solidarity with victims' families and direct contact with the Canadian embassy. She ordered a thorough probe, emphasizing it as an isolated act. Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand called it a "horrific act of gun violence," dispatching consular aid. U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson offered investigative support given American injuries.
The National Institute of Anthropology and History closed the site indefinitely, a first for such violence here. Mexico's security cabinet confirmed Jasso acted alone, seizing his weapons.Associated Press report outlines the immediate response.
Security Lapses and Mexico's Gun Landscape
Teotihuacan, despite its crowds, had lax entry checks—no bag scans or metal detectors recently, per guides—relying on visible patrols. Mexico's stringent gun laws, among the world's strictest, limit civilian ownership to handguns with permits rare for non-military. Yet black-market arms from the U.S. fuel crime. This attack, not cartel-linked, bucks trends where tourists rarely face random violence; most incidents target locals or rivals in states like Sinaloa or Guerrero.
In 2025, Mexico saw over 30,000 homicides, but tourist deaths from guns number in dozens annually, per government data. Teotihuacan was deemed safe, insulated from narco wars 50km away.
Broader Implications for Mexican Tourism
As Mexico co-hosts the 2026 World Cup with the U.S. and Canada, this incident raises alarms. Tourism, 8.7% of GDP, rebounded post-COVID to 45 million visitors in 2024, but advisories from Canada, U.S., and UK urge caution in certain zones. Early reports show no mass cancellations yet, but operators note inquiries spiking. The site's closure disrupts local economies reliant on vendors and guides.
Experts predict enhanced security—cameras, scans—like Chichen Itza post-threats. Long-term, it spotlights mental health and extremism amid cartel fatigue.
Looking Ahead: Lessons and Resilience
While rare, this echoes global mass shootings inspired by infamy. Mexico vows reforms: better site vigilance, online radicalization monitoring. For Teotihuacan, reopening with tributes could reclaim its wonder. Travelers should heed advisories, stick to groups, avoid solos at dusk. The pyramids endure—symbols of human achievement amid tragedy—urging vigilance without fear. As investigations unfold, the world watches for justice and prevention.
