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.
A British couple described the chaos at the site: There was a big push and panic of everybody running at the same time to get out, as gunfire rang out.
Local prosecutors identified the shooter as Julio César Jasso Ramírez, a Mexican national. The Mexican government's security cabinet reported 13 individuals, ranging from ages six to 61, were treated in hospitals following the incident.
The pre-Hispanic pyramids and ruins at Teotihuacán are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the most popular tourist attractions in the country.
Police recovered a firearm, a bladed weapon, and live cartridges at the scene. Sheinbaum said she was in contact with the Canadian embassy, providing assistance to the victims' families.
Mexico's foreign minister confirmed the nationality of the casualty, emphasizing the government's commitment to safety and support amidst rising international concerns due to ongoing cartel violence.
Despite the incident being unrelated to drug violence, it raises significant alarms regarding safety ahead of the anticipated influx of visitors for the World Cup. As thousands are expected to travel to Mexico, authorities are under pressure to ensure the safety of all tourists.
The ancient city of Teotihuacán, predating the Aztecs, serves as a reminder of cultural richness, but today's tragic shooting underlines urgent security concerns as the world watches Mexico prepare for the global sports event.
