Canadian woman killed after gunman opens fire at Mexico’s Teotihuacán pyramids | Mexico
A Canadian tourist was killed and at least four others were shot when a gunman opened fire at the Teotihuacán pyramids near Mexico City, one of Mexico’s most famous tourist attractions.
The shooting, the latest incident of violence to hit Mexico as it prepares to host the soccer World Cup in June, took place at lunchtime on Monday and was captured on cellphone videos taken by visitors to the site.
One of the witnesses, Laura Torres, told La Jornada newspaper that she heard more than 20 gunshots from the Pyramid of the Moon, the second largest pyramid of the ancient building complex. “At first it was sporadic, then one shot after another, then sporadic again,” said Torres, who authorities believe the alleged suicide attacker used a handgun.
Mexican media reports stated that the fatal victim was a 32-year-old Canadian woman.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed “deep pain” over the attack on the Unesco world heritage site following a high-profile outbreak of violence following the killing of a top narcotics boss known as “El Mencho” near the city of Guadalajara in February.
“I express my sincere solidarity with the affected individuals and their families,” Sheinbaum wrote on social media, calling for a thorough investigation.
British Embassy in Mexico City persistently UK citizens will follow the instructions of local authorities if they are in the area where the attack occurred.
Mexican officials said that four people (nationals from Colombia, Russia and Canada) suffered gunshot wounds in the conflict. Another victim suffered a broken bone after falling onto the 43 meter high pyramid. Mexico’s foreign ministry said it is in constant contact with the Canadian embassy in Mexico and other embassies of affected individuals “to ensure timely follow-up of these events.”
The shooting at the world-famous archaeological site made front-page headlines and caused widespread shock in Mexico, where officials are preparing to host 13 matches of the World Cup, including the opening match. Concerns about Mexico’s security situation rose after a series of coordinated cartel attacks following the killing of El Mencho in February, but this violence was quickly brought under control.
The Teotihuacán complex is one of Mexico’s most visited destinations, attracting close to 2 million tourists each year.
