A tragic shooting incident at Teotihuacán — one of Mexico’s most famous historical landmarks — has left a 32-year-old Canadian tourist dead and several others injured, Mexican authorities confirmed.
The attack occurred at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient pyramids including the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon, drawing millions of visitors annually.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the victims and their families. She confirmed that her government is closely monitoring the situation and has ordered a full investigation.
“What happened today in Teotihuacán deeply pains us,” Sheinbaum said, adding that authorities are providing full support to those affected.
According to officials, the gunman opened fire at the site before taking his own life. Police recovered a firearm, a bladed weapon, and live ammunition from the scene. The attacker’s identity and motive have not yet been disclosed.
Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand confirmed that one Canadian citizen was killed while another was injured. She added that consular services are actively assisting those impacted.
In addition to the Canadian victims, authorities reported that individuals from Colombia and Russia were also among the injured.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as panic spread across the historic site. A British couple visiting the pyramids told media that tourists began running in all directions as gunfire intensified.
“There was panic everywhere. People were shouting and trying to escape,” they said, noting a lack of coordinated evacuation efforts at the time.
Teotihuacán, a pre-Hispanic city that predates the Aztec civilization, is one of Mexico’s most visited tourist destinations. The incident has raised concerns over visitor safety, particularly as the country prepares to host the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Mexico City.
With millions of international visitors expected, Mexican authorities have already planned extensive security measures, including deploying thousands of personnel to ensure safety during the global sporting event.
While Mexico has faced ongoing challenges with cartel-related violence, officials noted that attacks targeting tourists at major heritage sites remain rare. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances behind this shocking incident.
