In brief
A Canadian woman, aged 32, was shot and killed during a shooting at the ancient Teotihuacán pyramids in Mexico, marking a tragic incident amid preparations for the FIFA World Cup. The shooter, identified as Julio César Jasso Ramírez, subsequently took his own life. Thirteen others were injured, prompting responses from both Mexican and Canadian officials, as the incident occurs in a time of significant security concerns for the upcoming World Cup event.
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 comes just seven weeks ahead of the FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held in Mexico City.
Witness accounts describe a chaotic scene, with a British couple recounting a panic-stricken rush to escape as gunfire erupted. There was a big push and panic of everybody running at the same time to get out, they said.
Local prosecutors identified the shooter as Julio César Jasso Ramírez, a Mexican national. In addition to the deceased, 13 others, aged six to 61, received medical treatment for their injuries.
The Teotihuacán site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its pre-Hispanic pyramids and heavy tourist traffic. Following the attack, police recovered a firearm and a bladed weapon at the site.
Both Canadian and Mexican officials are conducting investigations into the incident, with Sheinbaum communicating with the Canadian embassy to ensure necessary support.
Canada's Foreign Minister, Anita Anand, confirmed the involvement of Canadian citizens in the incident, highlighting a collaborative effort to provide consular assistance.
Witnesses reported that the attack began around 11:00 AM local time, with the shooter primarily firing upwards while shouting, causing panic among tourists. Despite the chaos, the couple noted a lack of a coordinated evacuation by officials present at the site.
The shooter reportedly targeted individuals from various nationalities, including Canadians, Colombians, and Russians, with reports of a young boy injured during the ordeal.
This incident, though tragic, is noted as being rare within the context of tourism within Mexico, which has faced various security challenges due to cartel-related violence.
As the nation prepares for the influx of visitors for the World Cup, security will be heightened, with nearly 100,000 personnel planned for deployment, aiming to ensure safety amidst ongoing concerns about violence.
The incident at Teotihuacán underscores ongoing issues of safety within major tourist destinations in Mexico, where the contrasts of rich cultural heritage and security challenges continue to intersect.
