A Canadian woman has been shot dead and 13 others injured in a shooting at the Teotihuacan pyramids on Monday, one of Mexico’s most visited tourist attractions.
Authorities said a gunman opened fire on Monday (20 April) at the site, which draws large numbers of visitors each year. The attacker later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound according to officials.
Mexico state Security Secretary Cristóbal Castañeda said the incident took place at the historic complex, home to pre-Aztec pyramids. Local officials reported that 13 people were wounded by gunfire, while others were hurt in falls as visitors tried to escape.
Victims were taken to hospital for treatment. They included tourists from several countries, among them Colombia, Russia, the United States, Brazil and Canada.
Teotihuacan Archaeological Zone Tourist guide Graciela Dario said, “Just as we were finishing our tour, fortunately, we mainly saw the movement of the local guards - that is, those who guard the archaeological zone - and afterwards the municipal police were quickly activated. The area was well monitored, they began to evacuate the archaeological zone and they tried to provide assistance to the people who were even injured.”
Videos shared by local media appeared to show a man standing with a gun on top of one of the pyramids as visitors tried to take cover.
Police officers stationed at the site were the first to respond, followed by members of the National Guard according to reports. Local prosecutors later identified the suspected gunman as a Mexican national.
No further details were immediately released.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said she had instructed authorities to investigate the attack.
“I have instructed the Security Cabinet to thoroughly investigate these events and provide all necessary support,” she said.
In a separate message, she added, “What happened today in Teotihuacan pains us deeply. I express my deepest sympathy to those affected and their families.”
Officials said government personnel were being sent to the site to support victims and coordinate the response.
The pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacan was one of the most important cultural centres in Mesoamerica, and today remains one of Mexico's most popular tourist sites, receiving 1.8 million visitors last year.
The shooting comes as Mexico prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada, an event expected to attract millions of visitors.
The country has been under renewed scrutiny over security in recent months following outbreaks of violence in several regions.
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