Security measures surrounding the upcoming FIFA Men’s World Cup, to be hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, are under review after a fatal shooting at a Mexican tourist spot that was due to play a key role in the sporting event.
A 27-year-old male shooter, identified as Julio Cesar Jasso Ramirez, attacked a group of tourists at the Teotihuacan pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the edge of Mexico City, on 20 April, shooting at them from atop one of the ancient monuments.
🔫 Shooting near the Teotihuacan pyramids in Mexico: tourist killed, several injured
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) April 21, 2026
At one of the country’s most popular tourist sites, an unidentified gunman opened fire from the top of a pyramid — reportedly the Pyramid of the Moon. A 32-year-old tourist from Canada was… pic.twitter.com/o5M5mKZuLu
One person, a Canadian visitor, was killed, and 13 others were injured. Twelve were hospitalised, numbering six US citizens, three Colombians, two Brazilians, and one Russian. The victims ranged in age from six years old to 61. The gunman is also reported to have killed himself. He was found to have been carrying a gun, a knife, and ammunition.
Noting that the attack was premeditated, State Prosecutor Jose Luis Cervantes Martinez told the press that Ramirez had “made preliminary visits on multiple occasions to the archaeological site, stayed in hotels near the site ahead of time, and from there planned his violent acts.”
🇲🇽 Another angle of the moment when the gunshots began in Teotihuacán, Mexico
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) April 22, 2026
The video was recorded while the gunshots could be heard in the background.
In the attack, a Canadian tourist lost her life and several other people were injured. https://t.co/yLEgimYLsN pic.twitter.com/bLFjSaa7jU
Officials said the shooter appeared to have been “inspired” by mass shootings in the US. Mexico’s homicide rate usually averages four times that of the U.S. Though both countries have seen a decline in gun violence, according to 2025 data, Mexico reported over 25,000 homicides, a rate of 15–19 per 100,000, which was three times higher than the US.
The US, meanwhile, faces its own concerns over the treatment of visitors, amid heightened border enforcement actions that have seen countries around the world issue travel warnings to their citizens. The unwelcoming atmosphere is cited as part of the problem behind falling tourist arrivals in the States—a phenomenon some have dubbed the “Trump Slump.”
I have been following with deep concern and sadness the shooting that occurred today in Teotihuacán, which resulted in tragic loss of life and multiple injuries, including of several U.S. citizens. We stand ready to support as needed as Mexican authorities continue their…
— Embajador Ronald Johnson (@USAmbMex) April 21, 2026
Following the Mexico shooting and ahead of one of the world’s major sporting events, Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, called for increased security and gun control at tourist destinations. “Evidently, we need to tighten security,” she said, explaining: “We need to have better security to make sure someone can’t enter an archaeological site, a tourist site, with a firearm.”
The national Security Secretary, Omar García Harfuch, has confirmed orders to “immediately strengthen security” at tourist sites, including an increased security presence, more checks and better surveillance to help “identify and prevent any threats.”
Lo ocurrido hoy en Teotihuacán nos duele profundamente. Expreso mi más sincera solidaridad con las personas afectadas y sus familias. Estamos en contacto con la embajada de Canadá.
— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) April 20, 2026
He instruido al Gabinete de Seguridad a investigar a fondo estos hechos y brindar todos los… https://t.co/ceBDNjKxDv
Those moves come on top of already strengthened security across the country, and particularly in Guadalajara province, which has experienced violence and social tensions in recent months. Measures include the deployment of 100,000 law enforcement officers and 2,000 military vehicles, plus aircraft and drones. Security perimeters have been established around key hubs and stadiums.
The FIFA World Cup is due to kick off in Mexico on Thursday, 11 June 2026 pitching the host nation and South Africa against each other at Mexico City Stadium, and the Korea Republic versus Czechia at Estadio Guadalajara in Jalisco. In total, the country is set to welcome 13 matches across Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
The Teotihuacan pyramids were due to host night-time illuminations to coincide with what is one of the world’s most attended sporting fixtures.
