Teotihuacan Attack: Aggressor Acted Alone, Claimed to Be Influenced by “Forces Beyond Earth,” Prosecutors Say

Mexican authorities have concluded that the individual who opened fire at the Teotihuacán archaeological site on April 20, 2026, acted alone and claimed to be influenced by forces “beyond Earth,” according to the State of Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office.

The attacker, identified as Julio César Jasso, a 34-year-old resident of the State of Mexico, fired multiple rounds from a semi-automatic weapon near the Pyramid of the Sun before being subdued by security personnel and arrested. No visitors or staff were injured in the incident, though several were evacuated from the site as a precaution.

Prosecutors said Jasso told investigators during questioning that he believed he was receiving instructions from an extraterrestrial entity and that his actions were part of a mission to “awaken humanity.” These statements were made voluntarily and without coercion, according to officials familiar with the interrogation.

The State of Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office emphasized that there is no evidence linking Jasso to any organized group, extremist ideology, or foreign influence. “He acted alone,” said a spokesperson for the fiscalía. “His motivations appear to stem from a personal belief system involving delusional claims about non-terrestrial forces.”

Jasso has been charged with attempted homicide, illegal possession of a firearm, and terrorism under Mexico’s federal law for acts intended to intimidate the population or influence government policy through violence. He remains in preventive detention at a federal facility in Toluca while awaiting trial.

Teotihuacán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 30 miles northeast of Mexico City, receives thousands of visitors daily and is one of the country’s most visited cultural landmarks. The site was temporarily closed following the incident but reopened the next day with enhanced security measures, including increased patrols and bag checks at entry points.

Security officials confirmed that Jasso passed through the main entrance without triggering alarms, despite carrying a weapon. They are reviewing surveillance footage and access protocols to determine how he was able to bring the firearm into the archaeological zone.

The attack has reignited national debate over security at Mexico’s major archaeological and tourist sites. President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the incident during a press conference on April 22, questioning how an armed individual could enter such a high-visibility location undetected.

“How is it possible that someone enters with a weapon?” Sheinbaum asked. “We are reviewing all security protocols at federal cultural sites to prevent this from happening again.”

Psychological evaluations conducted by state-appointed forensic experts indicate that Jasso exhibits symptoms consistent with a delusional disorder, including grandiose beliefs and impaired reality testing. However, officials have stated that he was competent to stand trial and understood the nature of his actions at the time of the offense.

Investigators have found no evidence of prior criminal behavior, mental health treatment, or extremist affiliations in Jasso’s background. His social media accounts, which were reviewed as part of the investigation, contained sporadic posts about space exploration and ancient civilizations but no direct threats or planning related to the attack.

The State of Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office has not released the full interrogation transcript or psychiatric reports, citing ongoing legal proceedings and privacy protections. However, they confirmed that the claim of extraterrestrial influence was a central theme in Jasso’s statements to investigators.

As of April 21, 2026, Jasso remains in custody, and his initial court hearing is scheduled for early May. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek the maximum penalty allowed under Mexican law for the charges filed.