A Canadian tourist died and six others sustained gunshot wounds when an assailant fired at visitors near Mexico City’s renowned Teotihuacán pyramids. The incident occurred around midday on Monday at this prominent tourist site, amid preparations for Mexico to co-host the upcoming football World Cup. Mobile footage shared online captured the chaos, with voices urging caution and calling for help. According to Mexico State’s security official, Cristobal Castaneda, the shooter, whose nationality remains unidentified, died by suicide after the attack. A witness reported hearing over 20 shots originating from the Pyramid of the Moon area, describing the gunfire as initially intermittent before becoming rapid. Authorities confirmed the deceased was a 32-year-old woman from Canada. Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand described the event as a shocking instance of gun violence via social media. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed profound sorrow over the violence at the UNESCO-listed heritage site and extended condolences to those impacted, pledging a full inquiry. The wounded included individuals from Canada, Colombia, Brazil, and the United States, who received hospital treatment. Additionally, seven people suffered injuries during the ensuing panic, including nationals from Russia, Colombia, Brazil, and the US, treated on-site. Officials recovered a gun, knife, and ammunition from the scene and cleared the area of visitors. The British embassy advised its citizens to heed local guidance. Mexico’s foreign ministry is coordinating with affected countries’ embassies for support. The attack drew significant media attention and heightened security concerns ahead of the World Cup, which Mexico will host alongside other nations, expecting millions of attendees. This marks a rare occurrence of armed violence at one of Mexico’s key archaeological attractions, which sees nearly 2 million visitors annually. While drug-related conflicts persist in Mexico, such indiscriminate shootings are uncommon, particularly at tourist spots.
