What You Need to Know About the Shooting at a Mexican Pyramid and World Cup Security Concerns

(SeaPRwire) –   On Monday, a shooter attacked a major archaeological site and tourist attraction in Mexico, resulting in the death of at least one visitor from Canada and injuries to several others.

The incident took place just past 11:30 a.m. local time at the pyramids of Teotihuacán, located near Mexico City. Authorities reported that the suspect died at the location from a self-inflicted wound. While an official identification has not been released to the public, a state official told the Associated Press the shooter was 27-year-old Mexican national Julio Cesar Jasso. Mexico’s security cabinet confirmed that at least 13 individuals were hurt, seven of whom sustained gunshot wounds. All injured parties were transported to medical facilities.

“The events in Teotihuacán today cause us deep sorrow. I extend my heartfelt solidarity to the victims and their loved ones,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on X, noting that the administration is communicating with the Canadian Embassy. “I have directed the Security Cabinet to conduct a full investigation into these incidents and offer all required assistance.”

As one of Mexico’s top tourist draws, the pyramids have been suggested as a venue for an immersive night-time exhibition during the upcoming FIFA World Cup this summer.

Below are the key details regarding the shooting and the nation’s efforts to address security issues before the World Cup.

Canadian tourist dies in shooting

According to the security ministry of Mexico State, state and federal officers were dispatched to the archaeological zone following reports of gunfire. A statement from the local security ministry indicated that two bodies were discovered, with one believed to be the perpetrator.

Mexico’s security cabinet confirmed that a female Canadian citizen was among the fatalities. Her identity has not yet been made public.

The security cabinet reported that at least 13 individuals sustained injuries from bullets or falls and were moved to nearby hospitals. As of Tuesday morning, eight were still receiving medical care, while five had been released.

The security cabinet released details on the injured, whose ages span from 6 to 61. Among the 13 victims, seven suffered gunshot wounds: two from the U.S., two from Colombia, and one each from Canada, Russia, and Brazil. The other injured parties included four Americans, one Brazilian, one Colombian, and one individual from the Netherlands.

Footage circulating on the internet suggests a man fired shots from the Pyramid of the Moon. Videos showed visitors taking cover at the base of the structure to avoid the gunfire.

Laura Torres, a visitor from Guerrero, Mexico, informed local media that she heard the sounds of shooting while arriving at the location.

“I witnessed the man shooting from the top of the pyramid where many people were gathered; he was holding hostages. After a while, I saw him release one person, a girl,” Torres recounted. “I briefly feared he would shoot her in the back, but thankfully, he released her. Soon after, he let a man down, though other hostages remained.”

Torres remembered hearing over 20 shots fired. She observed a wounded tourist “situated halfway up the pyramid.”

“When visiting as a tourist, there ought to be safety protocols established. The National Guard should be deployed here given the diverse influx of tourists,” she stated. “This incident was preventable.”

Authorities have not determined a motive for the assault but confirmed the shooter acted as a lone attacker.

“Following a tragic incident of gun violence in Teotihuacán, Mexico, a Canadian national has lost their life and another has been injured,” Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand wrote on X. “I am thinking of their family and friends, and consular officials from Global Affairs are contacting them to offer support.”

Security preparations for World Cup

This shooting happened as Mexico prepares to host millions of supporters for the World Cup soccer tournament this summer, an event it is co-hosting with the United States and Canada.

During the initial five months of the previous year, approximately 722,000 visitors explored Teotihuacán, ranking it as Mexico’s second-most visited archaeological site. This ancient city, distinguished by three massive pyramids, predates the Aztec civilization and once served as a major cultural hub of Mesoamerica.

Earlier in the month, officials suggested organizing an immersive night-time display at Teotihuacán as part of the World Cup festivities. The government anticipates that roughly 5.5 million fans will travel to the country for the competition.

The Mexican administration has previously revealed strategies to enhance national security following a surge in cartel violence after the death of drug lord Nemesio Oseguero, or “El Mencho,” earlier this year. After a military operation on Feb. 22 resulted in the death of the cartel leader, violence broke out in multiple Mexican cities. Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) responded by igniting vehicles and buildings and armed patrols in the streets. The operation and subsequent violence led to dozens of fatalities.

The surge in cartel activity has raised safety concerns among some soccer players and fans regarding travel to Mexico. Travelers recounted to TIME how they were left stranded for days during the late February conflicts. Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco State and the CJNG’s main area of operation, is scheduled to host World Cup matches, alongside Mexico City and Monterrey.

The government announced it will station 100,000 security personnel drawn from the military, national security ministry, and private security companies prior to the World Cup. These forces will be positioned nationwide, with a focus on the three host cities. Additionally, the government plans to utilize over 2,000 military vehicles, 24 aircraft, and 33 drones, and to establish security zones around high-traffic areas such as airports and stadiums in the host cities. “As is evident, we are fully prepared for the World Cup,” Sheinbaum declared during a news briefing in early March.