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Open Chronicle | World News
Mexican authorities say the gunman behind a deadly attack at one of the country’s most iconic archaeological sites was driven by a disturbing fascination with past mass shootings in the United States.
The attacker, identified as Julio Cesar Jasso Ramirez, killed a Canadian tourist and injured 13 others on Monday at the Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan before taking his own life.
Attack at a major tourist landmark
The shooting unfolded at the historic site, located northeast of Mexico City, where large numbers of international visitors gather daily. Witnesses described scenes of panic as the gunman targeted foreign tourists, reportedly shouting threats and xenophobic remarks.
Mexican security forces, including the National Guard, responded quickly. After being wounded in the leg during a confrontation, the attacker fatally shot himself.
Authorities said he was carrying a handgun dating back to 1968, .38-caliber ammunition, knives, and materials with the 1999 Columbine High School massacre.
‘Copycat’ behavior under investigation
At a press conference, Prosecutor Jose Luis Cervantes Martinez said preliminary findings point to a “copycat” profile, describing the suspect as someone attempting to replicate acts of violence carried out by others.
“This is a psychopathic pattern characterized by the desire to imitate events that occurred elsewhere and at another time,” he said.
Officials believe the attacker’s actions were influenced by his admiration for perpetrators of past mass shootings in the United States.
Security measures intensified
In response to the incident, Mexico’s security chief Omar Garcia Harfuch announced increased protection at tourist sites across the country. Additional troops will be deployed, and both physical and cyber surveillance operations will be expanded to detect potential threats.
The attack comes at a sensitive time, just months before Mexico is set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada.
President Claudia Sheinbaum sought to reassure the public and international visitors, emphasizing that the country remains safe and that security protocols are being strengthened.
A broader concern
The tragedy highlights growing concerns about the global spread of violent ideologies through online platforms, where individuals may become influenced by past attacks and seek to emulate them.
As investigations continue, Mexican authorities are focusing not only on the motives behind this attack but also on preventing similar incidents in the future.