A Canadian tourist was killed and at least 13 others injured after a gunman opened fire on visitors atMexico's Teotihuacan pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Mexico City.
Authorities say the attacker, who later died by suicide, was carrying materials referencing the1999 Columbine High School massacre, raising fresh concerns over violent ideological influences linked to past attacks.
The attack took place on Monday at the Pyramid of the Moon, one of the most visited structures at the Teotihuacan archaeological complex in central Mexico. Authorities confirmed that a 27-year-old man opened fire on tourists during peak visiting hours, killing a Canadian national and injuring people from several countries.
According to state officials, the gunman acted alone and began shooting from an elevated platform before targeting visitors and approaching security forces. Panic spread rapidly across the site as tourists attempted to escape, with some reportedly jumping from sections of the pyramid to avoid gunfire.
National Guard units were deployed and eventually confronted the suspect. He was injured in the leg during the response and later died by suicide when cornered, officials said.
The Canadian victim was among a group of international visitors caught in the attack. Officials have said the Canadian woman killed was 32 years old, but her name has not yet been released.
Authorities confirmed that at least 13 people were injured, including six United States citizens, three Colombian nationals, and individuals from Brazil, Russia, the Netherlands, and Canada. The ages of those affected ranged from a six-year-old child to a 61-year-old adult. Officials said some injuries occurred as people fell while attempting to flee down the pyramid's steep structures after the shooting began.
Emergency services transported the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment, while the site was evacuated and temporarily closed following the incident.
Mexican authorities identified the attacker as Julio César Jasso Ramírez, a 27-year-old Mexican national from Guerrero. Investigators said he arrived at the Teotihuacan site a day before the attack using a ride-hailing service and checked into a nearby hotel.
He was reportedly carrying a firearm, a knife, and ammunition stored in a plastic bag containing 52 .38-calibre cartridges. Officials also recovered a tactical-style backpack containing an analogue mobile phone and bus tickets.
Source: International Business Times UK
