Teotihuacán Shooting: 2 Dead and 13 Injured at Mexican Pyramid Site

A gunman opened fire at the Teotihuacan archaeological site near Mexico City on April 20, 2026, killing a Canadian tourist and injuring 13 others before taking his own life, according to Mexican authorities and international news reports.

The attack occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. Local time when the perpetrator, identified as Julio César Jasso Ramírez, opened fire from atop the Pyramid of the Moon. Witnesses reported hearing more than 20 shots as the gunman moved across the site, ordering some visitors to lie on the ground before reloading and continuing to shoot.

Mexican officials confirmed that six Americans were among those injured, including two who sustained gunshot wounds. The injured included both domestic and international visitors at the pre-Columbian archaeological site, which is one of Mexico’s most visited tourist destinations.

The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) announced the immediate closure of the Teotihuacan zone following the shooting, with no reopening date specified. Police and forensic teams remained at the scene throughout the day to process evidence and assist victims.

Investigators stated that Jasso Ramírez acted alone and had argued with several people before initiating the attack. A knife was found in his possession but was not used during the incident. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation by the State of Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGJEM).

The attack drew international condemnation, with news outlets across the Americas and Europe reporting on the violence at the historic site. Teotihuacan, located about 30 miles northeast of Mexico City, features the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Avenue of the Dead, attracting thousands of visitors annually.

As of April 21, 2026, authorities continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting while providing support to the victims and their families. The incident marked one of the rare acts of violence at the normally peaceful archaeological complex.