Gunman at Mexico's Teotihuacan Pyramids Carried Columbine-Related Materials, Authorities Say

A gunman killed one Canadian woman and wounded at least 13 people after opening fire on tourists at the Teotihuacan pyramids archaeological site near Mexico City on Monday, April 20, 2026. Authorities identified the attacker as 27-year-old Julio César Jasso Ramírez, who shot himself following a confrontation with the Mexican National Guard. Investigators discovered materials at the scene linking the attacker to the 1999 Columbine High School massacre.

The Details

The shooting began around 11:20 a.m. when the gunman took a position atop the Pyramid of the Moon. Using an old revolver and a large supply of .38-caliber cartridges, the attacker fired into the crowd of tourists, reloading at least twice. While seven people were hit by gunfire, several others were injured during the ensuing panic, including some who fell while attempting to flee the pyramids.

Mexican National Guard members and state police responded to the scene, coming under fire themselves before scaling the pyramid to engage the shooter. After being wounded in the leg by security forces, Jasso Ramírez died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police recovered a gun, a knife, and ammunition at the scene.

Among the victims were citizens from several nations: six from the United States, three from Colombia, and one each from Russia, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Canada. The victims ranged in age from 6 to 61 years old. The site, a UNESCO World Heritage destination that saw over 1.8 million international visitors in 2025, remains closed until further notice.

Investigation into the attacker's motives revealed the event was premeditated. Jasso Ramírez, a native of Guerrero, Mexico, had visited the site multiple times previously, stayed in nearby hotels, and arrived via Uber the day before the attack. Authorities stated he acted alone and had no known links to organized crime.

State officials discovered a collection of books and handwritten notes referencing the 1999 Columbine massacre, the 27th anniversary of which coincided with the date of the attack. Most notably, the gunman carried an AI-modified photograph depicting himself alongside the original Columbine attackers.

Context

Mexico's Attorney General, José Luis Cervantes Martínez, categorized the event as a 'copycat effect,' describing the gunman as having a psychopathic profile marked by a tendency to imitate past violent acts. This pattern has recently appeared elsewhere in the region; earlier in April 2026, Argentine authorities linked a school shooting in Santa Fe province to the 'true crime community,' an online subculture rooted in forums established after the Columbine massacre.

The incident also highlighted significant security lapses. A local guide noted that security scans at the entrance to the archaeological site had been discontinued prior to the attack. The Teotihuacan site is one of Mexico's most prominent landmarks, making the breach of security particularly stark.

International reactions were swift. Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, Anita Anand, expressed solidarity with the victims and the family of the deceased Canadian woman. U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson also expressed deep concern and offered American support for the ongoing investigation.

What's Next

President Claudia Sheinbaum has declared the attack a catalyst for an urgent overhaul of security protocols at public spaces. She announced plans to increase National Guard presence at archaeological sites and reinstall screening equipment to prevent firearms from entering these locations.

These measures come at a critical time for Mexico, as the country is set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup in less than two months. In response to the shooting, Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch has announced a heightened presence of ground forces and the deployment of digital 'cyber patrols' at major tourist hubs to mitigate further risks.

Authorities continue to investigate how Jasso Ramírez obtained the revolver despite Mexico's restrictive gun laws, and the identities of the victims are yet to be officially released.