Teotihuacán shooting linked to Columbine anniversary leaves one dead

Wednesday 22 April 2026 - 12:00

By: Dakir Madiha

Teotihuacán shooting linked to Columbine anniversary leaves one dead

A gunman opened fire at the Teotihuacán complex, killing a Canadian tourist and injuring 13 others in an attack that authorities say was carefully planned and symbolically timed. The shooting took place on April 20, the anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre, which investigators believe influenced the suspect’s actions.

The attacker, a 27-year-old man identified as Julio César Jasso Ramírez, began shooting shortly after 11:30 a.m. from the top of the Pyramid of the Moon. Dozens of visitors were climbing the structure when he fired between 20 and 30 rounds using a .38 caliber revolver dating back to 1968. Witness accounts indicate he ordered a group of tourists to lie on the ground before retrieving additional ammunition from his backpack and continuing the assault.

Security forces responded rapidly. Members of Mexico’s National Guard reached the scene within minutes and shot the suspect in the leg. Officials said he then turned the weapon on himself and died from a self-inflicted wound. Authorities recovered a firearm, a knife, and more than 50 rounds of ammunition at the site, underscoring the level of preparation involved.

The victim who died was identified as a 29-year-old Canadian citizen. The injured included individuals from the United States, Colombia, Russia, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Canada, ranging in age from young children to older adults. Several victims were treated and discharged within hours, while others remained under medical supervision.

Investigators say the suspect had visited the site multiple times in advance, stayed at a nearby hotel, and traveled to the location on the day of the attack using a ride-hailing service. Items recovered from his backpack included materials referencing the Columbine shooting, along with personal belongings that point to premeditation. Authorities also linked the timing of the attack to both the Columbine anniversary and the birthday of Adolf Hitler.

Mexican officials stated that early findings suggest the attacker had psychological issues and may have been influenced by violent events outside the country. The government has closed the archaeological site while the investigation continues and announced plans to strengthen security measures, including the installation of metal detectors at major tourist locations.

The incident has raised concerns ahead of upcoming international events, including the opening match of the FIFA World Cup scheduled to take place in Mexico in the coming weeks. Officials are under pressure to reassure visitors and reinforce safety protocols at high-profile destinations across the country.