Gunman Opens Fire on Tourists at Mexico's Most-Visited Ancient Ruins

An armed man opened fire on tourists at the Teotihuacán pyramids outside Mexico City on Monday, killing one Canadian visitor and wounding six others before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Mexican authorities said. The shooting unfolded shortly after 11:30 a.m. local time at the Pyramid of the Moon, one of the site’s most iconic structures.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the incident would be investigated and that she had been in contact with the Canadian Embassy.

The gunman opened fire from atop the pyramid’s platform as dozens of tourists were present, according to a tour guide who witnessed the shooting and spoke to the Associated Press. Some visitors threw themselves to the ground while others fled down the pyramid’s steps; a separate group lay motionless on the platform to avoid being targeted. Four people were wounded by gunshots and two others were injured from falls during the chaos.

The victims include Colombian, Russian and Canadian nationals, local authorities said. Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed on X that one Canadian was killed and another wounded, saying her “thoughts are with their family and loved ones.” The extent of injuries to the other victims was not immediately clear.

Police officers already stationed within the ruins were first to respond, followed shortly by a National Guard unit. Security officials later recovered a gun, a knife and ammunition at the scene. The site had previously conducted security scans at entry points but had discontinued the practice in recent years.

Teotihuacán drew more than 1.8 million international visitors last year, making it one of Mexico’s most significant archaeological and tourist destinations. The ancient pyramids, built by three different civilizations on the outskirts of Mexico City, are among the country’s most recognizable landmarks.

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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 4:45 PM.