Tragedy at the Moon Pyramid: Canadian Tourist Recalls Horrific Shooting in Teotihuacan
What began as a typical sightseeing trip to one of the world’s most ancient wonders quickly spiraled into a nightmare. For Barbara Welsh, a resident of British Columbia, a group photo at the base of the Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan, Mexico, now serves as a haunting reminder of how close she came to death.
The photograph captures a moment of joy—women smiling against the backdrop of the majestic pyramids. However, a closer look reveals a chilling detail: a man in a plaid shirt climbing the steps, clutching an object in his right hand. Moments later, that object was revealed to be a firearm, sparking a scene of absolute chaos.
A Sudden Act of Violence
According to authorities, the attacker, identified as 27-year-old Julio Cesar Jasso Ramirez from Guerrero, had planned the assault. Witnesses report that the gunman played strange music and shouted virulent remarks against tourists before opening fire randomly from the summit of the pyramid.
The panic was immediate. “We didn’t really know what it was at first,” recalled Ms. Welsh. “Then we heard another shot, I looked up, and it was like a cascade of people rushing down the pyramid.”
The Human Toll of the Attack
The shooting lasted for more than 20 minutes, leaving a trail of devastation. The confirmed casualties include:
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- One Canadian national: Deceased (identity withheld).
- Delicia Li de Yong (29): A Canadian national who required hospitalization.
- 13 other visitors: Wounded and currently in stable condition, including citizens from the United States, Russia, the Netherlands, Brazil, and a 6-year-old boy from Colombia.
The perpetrator, who arrived at the site via Uber and stayed at a local hotel, used an old .38 caliber revolver. Police recovered a knife and a plastic bag containing 52 cartridges at the scene. Following the massacre, the gunman turned the weapon on himself.
A Narrow Escape: “Incredible Luck”
For Barbara Welsh and one of her companions, a decision based on physical discomfort became a lifesaver. Feeling affected by the altitude, the two had descended from the summit just 15 minutes before the shooting began.
“It’s just luck—incredible luck—that my friend and I weren’t at the top of the pyramid at that moment,” Welsh shared, reflecting on the trauma of the event.
Resilience Amidst Tragedy
Despite the horror of the experience, Ms. Welsh is adamant that this incident should not define the image of Mexico. She described Mexico City as a charming destination and stated that her group, which travels together annually, does not intend to let this tragedy deter them from future visits.
“You can’t predict something like this; it can happen anywhere,” she emphasized. “I truly hope this doesn’t impact Mexico, because it is a lovely place.”
For those planning travel to the region, it is always recommended to check the latest Government of Canada Travel Advisories to stay informed about safety and security protocols.
