MEXICO CITY: A Canadian tourist was killed and at least 13 others injured after a gunman opened fire at the ancient archaeological complex of Teotihuacan on Monday, sending shockwaves through one of the country’s most visited heritage sites.
Authorities said the attacker, whose identity and nationality remain unknown, died by suicide after assaulting the sprawling pre-Hispanic site, located roughly 50 kilometres from the capital.
The incident unfolded at the Pyramid of the Moon, a prominent structure frequently climbed by visitors for its panoramic views.
According to Cristobal Castaneda, the security secretary for the State of Mexico, six individuals sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to nearby hospitals.
Among them were a Canadian woman, a Colombian woman and child, a Brazilian national, and two Americans.
Seven additional people suffered injuries in the ensuing panic as tourists rushed to escape the scene. Those hurt in the stampede included a Russian, a Colombian, a Brazilian, and four US citizens, officials confirmed.
The shooting, which occurred around midday, caused widespread alarm among visitors exploring the ancient city, renowned for its monumental pyramids and the iconic Avenue of the Dead.
Video footage circulating on social media appeared to show the gunman firing intermittently from midway up the pyramid, while tourists scrambled for cover behind stone steps or fled the area.
In one clip, an unidentified voice can be heard urgently calling for security assistance, though the footage has not been independently verified.
Emergency services and law enforcement agencies, including federal police and the National Guard, were swiftly deployed.
Authorities evacuated the site and secured the area, where investigators recovered a firearm, a knife, and unused ammunition. Images from the scene showed sections of the complex cordoned off with crime-scene tape, while forensic teams conducted examinations.
According to AFP, footage also captured the body of one victim being carried down the pyramid steps, wrapped in a white sheet, underscoring the gravity of the incident.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand condemned the attack as “a horrific act of gun violence” in a post on social media.
Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed deep sorrow and ordered a thorough investigation, confirming that additional personnel had been dispatched to assist at the site.
“What happened today in Teotihuacan deeply pains us,” Sheinbaum said, pledging full support for victims and their families.
The tragedy has raised fresh concerns about tourist safety in Mexico, particularly as the country prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada in June. Officials expect more than 5.5 million international visitors during the tournament, making security a top priority.
Dating back more than 2,000 years, Teotihuacan is one of Mexico’s most significant archaeological treasures and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its “outstanding universal value.”
Built between the first and seventh centuries during the height of Mesoamerican civilisation, the ancient city drew over 1.8 million visitors in 2025 alone.
Despite Mexico’s ongoing struggle with organised crime and drug-related violence, incidents of indiscriminate shootings at major tourist attractions are extremely rare.
Authorities noted that while accidents occasionally occur at archaeological sites, this marks the first known case of armed violence at Teotihuacan in decades.
