Local news outlets have released video and images capturing a shocking scene where a man brandishes a firearm atop a pyramid, causing visitors to scramble for safety.
MEXICO CITY, Mexico — A grim incident unfolded Monday at the historic Teotihuacán pyramids when an armed individual opened fire, tragically killing a Canadian tourist and injuring at least 13 others. This violent act took place at the renowned archaeological site just north of Mexico City, as confirmed by authorities.
Officials reported that the gunman later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Upon investigation, law enforcement discovered a firearm, a knife, and additional ammunition in his possession.
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According to local authorities, seven of the injured sustained gunshot wounds. Details regarding the injuries of the remaining individuals were not specified, but the group requiring hospital care included six Americans, three Colombians, one Russian, two Brazilians, and another Canadian.
Footage released by the media reveals the terrifying scene of a man with a gun standing on a pyramid, prompting tourists to take cover as gunfire echoed through the area.
The attack erupted shortly after 11:30 a.m., as numerous tourists were exploring the Pyramid of the Moon. A tour guide, who wished to remain anonymous for safety concerns, recounted that a man positioned on the pyramid’s platform began firing shots into the air.
“Some people, because they were scared … threw themselves face down on the ground, and the rest of us started to go down,” the guide said, recounting how the shooter, upon seeing the tourists descending the pyramid’s steps, began firing.
Another group of visitors lay motionless on the pyramid’s platform to avoid being targeted by the shooter.
The first to respond to the shooting were the police officers providing security within the archaeological ruins, and shortly afterward a National Guard unit arrived in a van to handle the emergency.
In past years, staff at the archaeological site carried out security scans before people entered the area but have since stopped.
The guide showed a video that he took showing a woman limping and her back covered in blood and another man’s arm being bandaged.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on social media that the shooting would be investigated and that she was in touch with the Canadian Embassy.
“What happened today in Teotihuacán deeply pains us. I express my most sincere solidarity with the affected individuals and their families,” she wrote.
Anita Anand, Canada’s foreign affairs minister, said on X that as a “result of a horrific act of gun violence, a Canadian was killed and another wounded in Teotihuacán” and that her “thoughts are with their family and loved ones. ”
The Teotihuacán pyramids are a series of massive structures on the outskirts of Mexico City built by three different ancient civilizations. As one of Mexico’s most important touristic destinations, the site drew more than 1.8 million international visitors last year, according to government figures.
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