A deadly shooting at one of Mexico’s most iconic historical sites has shocked tourists and authorities alike.
Officials say Julio César Jasso, 27, opened fire on visitors at the Teotihuacan complex near Mexico City on April 20, 2026, killing a Canadian tourist and injuring multiple others before taking his own life.
The attack unfolded late in the morning atop the Temple of the Moon, where crowds of visitors were gathered. Witness videos show panic as people scrambled for safety while the gunman moved across the platform with a handgun.
Authorities report that at least one person was killed and more than a dozen injured, including international tourists from the United States, Colombia, Brazil, Russia, and Canada. Several victims suffered gunshot wounds, while others were hurt during the chaos as people fled the scene.
The timeline adds a chilling layer.
The shooting occurred on April 20, the anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre, a date that has become a focal point in certain extremist online spaces. Investigators say the suspect appeared to have an obsession with past mass violence and extremist ideology.
According to local prosecutors, Jasso was found carrying a digitally generated image of himself alongside Columbine shooters Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. The image is believed to have been created using AI tools and was discovered at the scene along with weapons and ammunition.
Officials also reported that Jasso had a history of expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler, including documented instances of Nazi salutes. Investigators are examining whether he was connected to online communities that glorify mass shootings and violent extremism.
The motive remains under investigation.
Security forces responded to the scene, and authorities say the suspect may have been injured during an exchange of gunfire before ultimately taking his own life.
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, confirmed that federal authorities are working with international partners, including the Canadian government, as part of an ongoing investigation.
The attack has raised urgent questions about security at major tourist sites, as well as the growing influence of online extremist content and digital culture in shaping real-world violence.
For now, the focus remains on the victims, many of whom are still recovering.
And on understanding how a globally recognized cultural landmark became the scene of such a sudden and devastating act.