A 32-year-old Canadian woman has been killed and 13 people injured after a man opened fire at a historical site in Mexico, according to Mexican officials. The gunman killed himself after the attack.
President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico has expressed her solidarity with the victims of a shooting at one of the country's most important tourist destinations, the ancient pyramid complex of Teotihuacán.
This incident occurs just seven weeks before the first match of the FIFA World Cup is set to be held in Mexico City.
There was a big push and panic of everybody running at the same time to get out, a British couple told the BBC, describing chaotic scenes amid the sound of gunfire.
Local prosecutors identified the shooter as Julio César Jasso Ramírez, a Mexican national, without providing further details. In a separate post, the Mexican government's security cabinet indicated that the injured individuals, whose ages range from 6 to 61, received hospital treatment.
The pre-Hispanic pyramids and ruins at Teotihuacán are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico, encompassing centuries of history and culture.
Police recovered a firearm, a bladed weapon, and live cartridges at the scene, with Sheinbaum following updates and communicating with the Canadian embassy.
She expressed her deep pain over the incident and extended her sincere solidarity to affected individuals and their families in a social media post.
Canada's Foreign Minister, Anita Anand, confirmed that a Canadian was killed and another injured, stating that Canadian consular officials are currently providing assistance.
In a shocking witness account, a visitor mentioned that a young boy was shot in the leg during the attack, which reportedly began around 11:00 AM local time. Eyewitnesses noted that the gunman fired mostly shots into the air while appearing to shout and hold a tablet in his other hand.
One couple, visiting from London, recounted the panic around them, where tourists were seen running in all directions as gunfire erupted. They described the confusion and lack of coordinated emergency responses from officials during the ordeal.
You never think it's going to be the situation you have to deal with, but ultimately we are okay, one of the individuals remarked, emphasizing the tragedy of the lost life.
The Teotihuacán archaeological site, known for its iconic pyramids and rich history, is set to feature an immersive night show as part of the upcoming World Cup festivities, raising additional concerns about tourist safety.
This incident is particularly alarming amidst previous assurances from the Mexican government regarding security for international visitors during the tournament, especially after escalated cartel violence in other regions of the country.
Despite the prevalence of cartel-related violence in Mexico, violent incidents involving tourists remain rare. The opening match of the World Cup is scheduled for June 11 between Mexico and South Africa, with expectations of attracting millions of international visitors.
