Gunman kills Canadian tourist and injures others at Teotihuacan pyramid site
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The gunman who shot and killed a Canadian tourist and injured more than a dozen others atop a historic tower in Mexico on Monday has been identified, officials said.
Authorities identified the gunman as Julio Cesar Jasso, 27, of Mexican descent, according to a federal official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the case publicly.
Jasso later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and security officials recovered a gun, a knife and ammunition. Authorities say he acted alone, and the Mexican government confirmed he was the lone attacker on Monday night.
Officials say that seven of the dead were blown up by gunfire, while others were injured in the chaos when people tried to get down from the towers, and others fell during the panic.
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The Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun are seen along with smaller buildings lining the Avenue of the Dead in Teotihuacan, Mexico, on March 19, 2020. A gunman killed a Canadian tourist and wounded several others before killing himself at the famous site, authorities said Monday. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Those hospitalized include tourists from several countries, including the United States, Colombia, Russia, Brazil and Canada, authorities said. The victims ranged in age from 6 to 61.
Photos circulating in local media appear to show the suspect sitting on top of the building as tourists rush below for safety, gunshots can be heard throughout the area.
Police and intelligence personnel stand atop a pyramid after authorities said a gunman opened fire in Teotihuacan, Mexico, Monday, April 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
The Teotihuacan complex, located just outside Mexico City, is one of the country’s most visited archaeological sites, drawing millions of international visitors each year to its towering pre-Hispanic buildings.
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The shooting happened shortly after 11:30 am when a large number of tourists were at the top of the Pyramid of the Moon.
Security measures at the site have changed in recent years, as standard entry checks are no longer in place, according to a local guide.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on social media that there will be an investigation into the incident and that she was in contact with the Canadian Embassy.
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“What happened today in Teotihuacán causes us great pain. I express my sincere solidarity with the affected people and their families,” he wrote.
Anita Anand, Canada’s foreign minister, said in X that “as a result of a terrible act of gun violence, a Canadian was killed and another was injured in Teotihuacán” and that “her thoughts are with their families and loved ones.”
People visit the Pyramid of the Sun in the pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacan near Mexico City, Mexico, on March 21, 2024, following the spring solstice. (Henry Romero/Reuters)
Later in the evening, the US Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson also expressed “deep concern” and sadness for the many deaths and injuries, and said in a post to X that the US is “ready to provide the necessary support while the Mexican authorities continue their investigation.”
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The National Institute of Anthropology and History said in a statement that the Teotihuacán archaeological site will remain closed until further notice.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
