In brief
In a tragic event at Mexico's ancient Teotihuacán site, a gunman killed a Canadian tourist and injured 13 more, using a handgun and carrying literature related to past mass shootings. The shooter, Julio César Jasso Ramírez, took his own life after engaging with police. Officials have vowed to enhance security measures at tourist sites ahead of the World Cup.
The gunman who opened fire atop Mexico's ancient Pyramid of the Moon appeared to have been influenced by other violent shootings and showed signs of psychological problems, the country's president said on Tuesday.
Julio César Jasso Ramírez, 27, a Mexican national, carried a handgun, dozens of cartridges, a knife and literature referencing acts of violence, officials said on Tuesday.
Mexico's top prosecutor confirmed that Jasso Ramírez planned and carried out the attack alone. The gunman fatally shot himself after a standoff with police.
A Canadian woman was killed and 13 others were injured at the popular tourist site located northwest of Mexico City.
Based on information provided by prosecutorial authorities, President Claudia Sheinbaum indicated that the shooter showed psychological issues and was influenced by incidents that occurred abroad.
Authorities found documents referencing the Columbine High School massacre, including literature, images, and documents related to violent acts that occurred in the United States in 1999.
A tourist who witnessed the attack mentioned that they heard Jasso Ramírez refer to the Columbine shooting, which happened exactly 27 years prior.
During the conference, Cervantes and Mexican authorities noted that Jasso Ramírez had visited the archaeological site multiple times and had arrived shortly before the attack.
After ascending the pyramid, he began shooting, leading to panic among visitors. Witnesses recorded videos of the chaos as people fled for safety. A 32-year-old Canadian tourist was shot and killed during the incident.
A member of the National Guard and a local police officer responded to the scene and attempted to confront the gunman, who fired 14 shots during the encounter before he was injured and then took his own life. Thirteen victims, aged between six and 61, were treated for injuries, including two minors.
Teotihuacán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was closed following the incident but is set to reopen with enhanced security measures, including metal detectors at entrances. President Sheinbaum assured the public about safety at archaeological sites nationwide and emphasized the need for improved security in light of the upcoming World Cup.
