Gunfire Erupts at Teotihuacán
MEXICO CITY — Jalen Aybar and his partner, Jaslim Landaverde, were enjoying a scenic moment atop the Pyramid of the Moon at the renowned Mexican archaeological site of Teotihuacán when they suddenly heard gunshots nearby.
A woman was found lying motionless on the ground, while a man in a black mask approached with a gun raised. The couple, visiting from Chicago, had recently celebrated a concert close to the pyramids and embarked on a hot air balloon ride that morning to witness a stunning sunrise.
Now, trapped alongside hundreds of other tourists, they faced a gunman whose backpack contained information regarding previous mass shootings, including the infamous Columbine High School incident in Colorado.
As the masked assailant fired shots around them, Aybar whispered urgently to Landaverde, “We need to jump. We can’t just stay here.” They cautiously moved to the edge of the ledge, realizing the drop was approximately 15 feet to the platform below, and without further discussion, they leaped.
Tragedy Strikes as Shootings Occur
A Canadian woman was killed, and at least 13 foreign tourists were injured when 27-year-old Julián César Jasso Ramírez opened fire at this popular archaeological site. Mexican authorities later described Jasso as a “copycat” criminal with psychological issues, who idolized previous school shooters and meticulously planned his violent act.
During a news conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the need to enhance mental health systems and moral values in schools and acknowledged that such an event had never happened before at tourist attractions in Mexico.
The Aftermath of the Shooting
After approximately 25 minutes of terror, Jasso took his own life as police and National Guard troops attempted to subdue him. Throughout this chaotic duration, videos showed him taunting terrified tourists, declaring that the site was “for sacrifices! Not for photos!”
While many tourists sought safety by jumping down from the pyramid, Landaverde ended up sustaining a broken foot. After their escape, they and a group of friends took cover in a nearby restaurant. Later, they discovered that others in their tour group also suffered gunshot injuries.
Impact on Tourism and Future Precautions
The shooting raised critical concerns for Mexico’s essential tourism industry, especially with the World Cup set to begin in June. Authorities asserted that security measures are being strengthened at tourist sites, likely incorporating metal detectors to ensure visitor safety.
The Teotihuacán complex, home to ancient remnants and a significant economic resource for local vendors and workers, was temporarily closed but planned to reopen shortly with enhanced security protocols. Analysts express the need to address the root causes of such violent events and highlight the importance of national security, especially with Mexico potentially drawing large crowds for the upcoming soccer tournament.
