The Government of Mexico activated a high-level security protocol after the shooting at the Pyramid of the Moon, where a Canadian tourist and the attacker died. The presidency coordinates actions with the Canadian embassy to care for the victims and clarify the facts.
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Federal intervention in the events in the archaeological zone
President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo formally instructed the Security Cabinet to carry out an exhaustive investigation into the violent incident that occurred this Monday in Teotihuacán. Given the seriousness of the event, the president confirmed the establishment of direct communication channels with the diplomatic representation of Canada in Mexico, given that the fatal victims have that nationality.
The federal administration has deployed officials from the Secretariats of Culture and the Interior to the site of the incident. The objective is to provide institutional support and immediate attention to those affected, working together with local government structures to guarantee the necessary support to the families involved.
Chronology of the incident at the Pyramid of the Moon
The attack occurred around noon on the second platform of the pre-Hispanic structure, at a height of 45 meters. According to official reports from the Security Cabinet, an individual began a series of firearm detonations against visitors present in the area. Later, the attacker took his life at the same place.
At the scene, security forces secured various elements that are part of the chain of custody:
- A firearm used in the attack.
- A knife found among the attacker’s belongings.
- Useful cartridges collected by experts.
What happened today in Teotihuacán hurts us deeply. I express my sincere solidarity with the affected people and their families. We are in contact with the Canadian embassy.
I have instructed the Security Cabinet to thoroughly investigate these events and provide all… https://t.co/ceBDNjKxDv
— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) April 20, 2026
Balance of victims and specialized medical care
The balance confirmed by the head of the Secretary of Security of the State of Mexico, Cristóbal Castañeda, details the complexity of the event regarding the integrity of international tourists:
- Deceased: A woman of Canadian nationality and the alleged aggressor.
- Projectile injuries: Four injured people, identified as two Colombian citizens, a Russian citizen and a Canadian citizen, who are already receiving specialized hospital care.
- Evacuation injuries: At least 15 visitors suffered various traumatic injuries while trying to leave the area during the detonations.
Operational deployment and closure of the archaeological zone
After the emergency, a massive security device was activated to shield the perimeter and rule out the presence of other possible parties. Elements of the National Guard, the Mexican Army, the state police and municipal agents participate in this operation.
The archaeological area was completely evacuated and remains closed to the public. Personnel from the Mexican prosecutor’s office and specialized experts carry out the removal of the bodies and the collection of evidence in the Pyramid of the Moon, which is strictly cordoned off so as not to compromise the ongoing investigations.
