A Canadian woman died and multiple tourists suffered injuries when a gunman opened fire on a group at the Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan, near Mexico City. Eyewitness videos captured the attacker wielding a handgun and shooting at people he had forced to lie on the ground atop the ancient structure.
Details of the Attack
The assailant took hostages on an upper level of the pre-Hispanic pyramid before turning the gun on himself, local authorities confirmed. Security forces responded to an emergency call and discovered two bodies at the scene, one believed to be the shooter. Officers recovered a firearm, a knife, and a bag of ammunition.
Victims and Injuries
At least six people sustained injuries, including gunshot wounds and fractures from falls off the pyramid. Among the wounded were another Canadian, two Colombians, and a Russian national.
Witness Accounts
Laura Torres, a visitor at the site, reported hearing more than 20 gunshots. She highlighted the lack of security at the entrance, stating, “The National Guard should be present … this shouldn’t have happened.”
Official Reactions
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed deep sorrow on social media: “What happened today in Teotihuacan deeply pains us. I express my most sincere solidarity with the affected individuals and their families.”
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed the tragedy, noting, “As a result of a horrific act of gun violence, a Canadian woman was killed and another was injured in Teotihuacan, Mexico.” She offered condolences to the victims’ families.
Site Background and Significance
The Pyramid of the Moon, built between 100 and 450 AD, stands as the twin to the nearby Pyramid of the Sun within the Teotihuacan complex—a UNESCO World Heritage site and Mexico’s top tourist draw, attracting 1.8 million visitors last year. The ancient city served as a ceremonial center and metropolis, housing over 200,000 people at its peak in the 5th and 6th centuries.
Broader Context
Mexico enforces strict gun control laws with limited civilian access to firearms. The incident occurs ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Mexico will co-host with the United States and Canada, anticipating millions of international visitors.
