Teotihuacan Pyramid Shooter Admired U.S. School Shooters and Hitler, Authorities Say

The gunman who opened fire at Mexico’s Teotihuacan pyramid, killing a Canadian tourist, admired U.S. School shooters and Hitler, authorities said.

President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the shooter, identified as Julián César Jasso Ramírez, 27, had traits of psychological problems and was influenced by episodes that occurred outside Mexico, particularly foreign school shootings.

The attack took place on April 20, 2026, at the Teotihuacán archaeological park, approximately 25 miles northeast of Mexico City, where the gunman opened fire from atop the Pyramid of the Moon shortly before midday.

Authorities reported that a backpack found near the shooter’s body contained literature about other mass shootings, including the 1999 Columbine massacre in Colorado, indicating his admiration for such events.

The shooter shot himself dead at the scene as police and National Guard troops approached, ending the attack that left one Canadian woman dead and 13 other foreign visitors injured, including six U.S. Citizens.

Media reports in Mexico indicated that the killer was a far-right fanatic and admirer of Hitler, with forensic workers seen carrying the victim’s body down the pyramid following the incident.

The Teotihuacán site, one of Mexico’s most visited touristic attractions, hosted nearly 2 million visitors in the previous year and remains a major international destination amid ongoing World Cup preparations.

President Sheinbaum addressed the nation during her morning news conference, calling attention to the psychological profile of the perpetrator and the external influences that shaped his actions.

The attack has drawn widespread concern over security at archaeological sites and the global spread of extremist ideologies linked to mass violence, particularly among young individuals influenced by online subcultures.

Investigators continue to examine the shooter’s motivations, digital footprint, and connections to online communities that glorify school shootings and extremist figures.

As Mexico prepares for increased international attention due to upcoming World Cup matches, authorities are reviewing safety protocols at major tourist sites to prevent similar incidents.

The tragedy underscores the persistent threat of copycat violence inspired by past mass shootings and extremist ideologies, even in culturally significant and historically revered locations.