A harrowing new video has emerged capturing the moment a 27-year-old Mexican gunman, identified as Julio César Jasso Ramírez, calmly loaded his weapon atop the ancient Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacan before opening fire on terrified tourists he had taken hostage. The attack on Monday – the 27th anniversary of the Columbine massacre – left one Canadian woman dead and 13 others wounded, including six Americans, before Jasso died from a self‑inflicted gunshot wound after an exchange with federal police.
The footage, widely shared on social media, shows Jasso pacing about halfway up the 140‑foot‑high pyramid as several hostages lie face‑down at his feet. He nonchalantly loads his gun while confused witnesses watch from below. He then barks orders at the cowering group, points the weapon toward them, and fires multiple shots.
Atención: Tiroteo en las pirámides de Teotihuacán, en México. Se reporta una persona muerta. El atacante habría sido abatido por la guardia nacional. Vía @BluRadioCo pic.twitter.com/YxKV8DSx4V
— Ricardo Ospina (@ricarospina) April 20, 2026
“He appeared to fire both into the air and towards people’s legs,” a tour guide who was descending the pyramid told the Associated Press.
The attack began just after 11:30 a.m. local time at the Teotihuacan archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage destination just outside Mexico City that draws more than 1.8 million international visitors annually. The Pyramid of the Moon, built between 100 and 450 C.E., was once used for ritual human sacrifice – a grim parallel to Monday’s bloodshed.
The Shooter: A Hitler Fanatic Obsessed with Columbine
Mexican authorities identified the gunman as Julio César Jasso Ramírez, 27, a resident of Mexico City. At the scene, security officers recovered a gun, a knife, ammunition, and a bizarre AI‑generated image of Jasso posing with the Columbine High School shooters, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. Monday, April 20, marked the 27th anniversary of the 1999 massacre that left 13 dead.
According to Mexican media reports citing police sources, Jasso had expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler (whose birthday also falls on April 20) and for the Columbine perpetrators. The date of the attack was clearly intentional.
“It is inevitable to think of the massacres that are frequent in the United States, to which Mexicans are not accustomed,” noted a report in El País.
Jasso was killed at the scene. While early reports indicated a self‑inflicted gunshot wound, Mexican media reported that federal police officers exchanged fire with him before he turned the gun on himself. An investigation is ongoing.
The Victims: A Canadian Woman Killed, Global Toll
The attack claimed the life of a 32‑year‑old Canadian woman. A second Canadian citizen was among the wounded. The injured included tourists from at least seven countries:
| Nationality | Age | Nature of Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Colombian | 6 (boy) | Gunshot wound (leg) |
| Colombian | 37 (woman) | Gunshot wound |
| Canadian | 29 (woman) | Gunshot wound |
| Russian | 32 (man) | Gunshot wound |
| Brazilian | 13 (girl) | Gunshot wound |
| American | 29 (man) | Gunshot wound |
| American | 61 (woman) | Gunshot wound |
| American | 26 (woman) | Non‑gunshot (fall/abrasion) |
| American | 28 (woman) | Non‑gunshot (fall/abrasion) |
| American | 31 (man) | Non‑gunshot (fall/abrasion) |
| American | 43 (woman) | Non‑gunshot (fall/abrasion) |
| Brazilian | 55 (woman) | Non‑gunshot (fall/abrasion) |
| Colombian | 22 (woman) | Non‑gunshot (fall/abrasion) |
The youngest victim was a 6‑year‑old Colombian boy shot in the leg. A 13‑year‑old Brazilian girl and a 61‑year‑old American woman were also shot. Seven of the 13 injured suffered gunshot wounds; the others were hurt while fleeing or jumping from the pyramid.
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed the death, writing: “My thoughts are with their family and loved ones.”
Security Failures at a Top Tourist Site
The attack has raised urgent questions about security at Teotihuacan. Police officers were stationed within the ruins, but the site had discontinued security scans at entry points in recent years – a practice that might have detected Jasso’s weapons. The gunman climbed the pyramid unimpeded and held hostages for several minutes before opening fire.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on social media: “What happened today in Teotihuacán pains us deeply. I express my deepest sympathy to those affected and their families.” She has instructed the Security Cabinet to conduct a thorough investigation.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued a security alert, and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) announced that the archaeological complex would remain closed indefinitely.
Tourism Under Threat Ahead of the World Cup
The shooting is a major blow to Mexico’s tourism industry just months before the country is set to co‑host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. Teotihuacan is one of Mexico’s most‑visited landmarks, attracting 1.8 million visitors annually.
While Mexico has long struggled with cartel‑related violence, attacks on major tourist attractions are extremely rare. The incident has prompted calls for increased security at all popular sites.
What Happens Next
- Investigation: The FGR (Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office) is investigating Jasso’s motive, his possible accomplices, and how he obtained the weapons.
- Site closure: Teotihuacan remains closed indefinitely. INAH has not announced a reopening date.
- Medical care: Hospitals in the State of Mexico are treating the injured. The condition of the critically wounded has not been updated.
- Security review: The government is expected to implement stricter security checks at tourist sites.
FAQ: Teotihuacan Pyramid Shooting
Q: Who was the shooter?
A: Julio César Jasso Ramírez, 27, a Mexican national from Mexico City.
Q: How many people died?
A: Two – a 32‑year‑old Canadian tourist and the gunman, who died from a self‑inflicted gunshot wound after an exchange with police.
Q: How many were injured?
A: At least 13, including seven with gunshot wounds. Victims came from the United States, Canada, Colombia, Brazil, and Russia.
Q: What was the shooter’s motive?
A: Mexican media reports indicate he admired the Columbine shooters and Adolf Hitler. The attack occurred on the Columbine anniversary and Hitler’s birthday.
Q: Is Teotihuacan open to visitors?
A: No. The site has been closed indefinitely.
Q: Where can I find updates?
A: Follow Mexican authorities and major news outlets.
