MEXICO CITY — The Mexican government said Tuesday it was a planned shooting at an internationally famous pyramids site that took the life of a Canadian tourist.
José Luis Cervantes Martínez, the attorney general of the state of Mexico, said the gunman carried a tactical-style backpack and had literature related to the deadly 1999 Columbine High School shooting in the U.S.
He said the gunman — 27-year-old Julio César Jasso Ramírez of Guerrero, Mexico — acted alone Monday as he rained bullets down on tourists at the Teotihuacan pyramids, north of Mexico City.
Authorities say he then shot himself to death.
No information has been released on the Canadian killed. The attack also injured at least 13 more, including a 29-year-old Canadian woman and a six-year-old boy from Colombia.
Security was being increased at archeological sites and other tourist destinations, Martinez said.
In Ottawa, Prime Minister Mark Carney thanked Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for her attention to the tragedy.
Speaking to reporters before a cabinet meeting, Carney offered condolences to family and friends of the victim.
“It’s a sad day … it’s a terrible circumstance,” Carney said. “We’re working with Mexican authorities on the situation.”
Sheinbaum promised an investigation. She posted on social media that the shooting “deeply pains” her government and she was in touch with the Canadian Embassy.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said her Mexican counterpart has committed to a prompt investigation.
“Our consular officials are on the ground assisting the remaining victims, and in particular the Canadians who are in Mexico,” she said.
When asked whether Ottawa would be revising its travel advisory for Mexico, Anand said the countries are in close contact. “At this time, we are examining all issues relating to the bilateral relationship.”
The Teotihuacan pyramids are a series of massive structures built by three different ancient civilizations. The site drew more than 1.8 million international visitors last year.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 21, 2026.
— With files from The Associated Press
The Canadian Press
