A Canadian tourist was killed and at least 13 others injured when an armed man opened fire from the Pyramid of the Moon at Mexico’s Teotihuacán archaeological site on Monday shortly after 11:30 a.m.
The shooter, whose identity remains unknown, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after firing on tourists descending the pyramid’s steps, according to Mexican authorities and eyewitness accounts. Security officials recovered a firearm, a bladed weapon, and live cartridges at the scene.
Local government reports confirmed seven people were wounded by gunfire, while additional injuries resulted from falls during the chaotic evacuation. Among the hospitalized were six Americans, three Colombians, one Russian, two Brazilians, and one Canadian — the latter being the second Canadian injured in the attack.
Brenda Lee of Vancouver, who was waiting to buy a souvenir when the shooting began, described hearing what sounded like firecrackers before realizing it was gunfire. “Someone said, ‘No, that’s gunfire, run,’ and we saw people coming off the top,” she told CTV News. “There were thousands of people there and there were a lot of gunshots that just kept coming.”
Lee recounted how a fellow visitor jumped to escape but fell on his back, calling the moment “awful.” Others lay motionless on the platform or threw themselves face down to avoid being targeted.
The attack occurred at one of Mexico’s most visited pre-Hispanic sites, where security scans had previously been routine but were discontinued in recent years. Teotihuacán, located just northeast of Mexico City, was once a major cultural center in Mesoamerica and draws thousands of visitors daily.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on social media that the shooting would be thoroughly investigated and confirmed she was in contact with the Canadian Embassy. “What happened today in Teotihuacán deeply pains us,” she wrote. “I express my most sincere solidarity with the affected individuals and their families.”
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said on X that a Canadian was killed and another wounded in what she described as a “horrific act of gun violence,” adding that her thoughts were with the victims’ families.
The incident underscores ongoing security concerns at major tourist destinations in Mexico, even as the country prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mexican officials have said they expect 5.5 million international visitors for the tournament and plan to deploy nearly 100,000 security personnel amid persistent drug cartel violence.
Was the shooter affiliated with any known group?
Authorities have not identified the shooter or established any connection to criminal organizations, and no motive has been released as of the latest reports.
Are tourists still being allowed at Teotihuacán?
Mexican officials have not announced a closure of the site, but personnel from the Secretariat of the Interior and Secretariat of Culture were dispatched to provide assistance following the shooting.
