Teotihuacán, State of Mexico — A Canadian woman has been confirmed dead in a shooting at an archaeological site in Mexico. The shooting happened early Monday afternoon at the Teotihuacán archaeological zone in the State of Mexico.
The lone gunman took aim at a group of tourists on top of a step-pyramid before killing himself.
According to confirmed information, police secured a firearm, a bladed weapon and live cartridges from the scene. State Security Secretary Cristóbal Castañeda Camarillo said a Colombian and a Russian tourist were among those injured.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday “What happened today in Teotihuacán deeply pains us. I express my most sincere solidarity with the affected individuals and their families. We are in contact with the Canadian embassy.
“I have instructed the Security Cabinet to thoroughly investigate these events and provide all necessary support. Personnel from the Secretariat of the Interior and Culture are already heading to the site to provide assistance and accompaniment, along with local authorities.
“I am closely following the situation and we will continue to provide timely updates through the Security Cabinet.”
The Security Cabinet of Mexico confirmed Monday afternoon the self-inflicted death of the shooter.
“The Security Cabinet reports that following the report of firearm detonations at the Teotihuacán archaeological zone in the State of Mexico, a coordinated operation was deployed to address the situation.
“According to preliminary information, a man fired shots at the location and subsequently took his own life. Unfortunately, a woman of Canadian nationality lost her life and to date, there is information on several people who were injured, who are receiving medical attention.
“At the site, a firearm, a bladed weapon, and live cartridges were secured. The authorities of the Security Cabinet are collaborating on the investigations to clarify the facts. Personnel, in coordination with the state government, are providing attention to the victims.”
People on the ground below the Moon pyramid looked up in fear and quickened their step at the sound of gunfire.
According to initial reports, the shooter climbed the 43 meters (140 feet) to the top of the Pyramid of the Moon where he opened fire without warning. The adult male shooter was wearing jeans, a plaid shirt and a face mask when he began to fire.
Local authorities have not provided a motive for the attack or publicly identified the shooter.
