Introduction: Unpacking the Teotihuacán Shooting and Its Alarming Connections
A gunman opened fire near Mexico’s famous Teotihuacán pyramids, hurting several people—including American tourists. What makes this attack even more disturbing is what police found on the shooter. He carried papers and notes about mass shootings in the United States, including ones like the Columbine massacre [Source: Google News]. This is not just another story about violence at a tourist spot. It’s a wake-up call about how ideas and actions from one country can shape crimes in another. The mix of local anger and global influence is now showing up in places meant for peace and history. The connection between the gunman and U.S. shootings forces us to ask tough questions about how violence spreads, and what nations must do to keep their people—and visitors—safe.
The Teotihuacán Shooting: Facts and Immediate Reactions
The shooting happened at Teotihuacán, a site packed with visitors from around the world. Reports say the gunman, Julio César Jasso Ramírez, shot at a group, leaving at least three people hurt. Two of them were American tourists, which made the story bigger and brought international attention [Source: Google News].
Ramírez is not just a random attacker. Authorities found he celebrated the Columbine massacre and supported far-right, fascist ideas. His online posts and notes talked about U.S. mass shootings and extremist groups. Videos from the scene showed chaos, with crowds running and police rushing in.
Mexico’s leaders quickly promised more safety for tourists. They said they would increase security at heritage sites and prepare strict measures for the upcoming World Cup. The government wants to show the world that Mexico is safe for visitors, even after an attack so close to a national landmark. But the fears linger—not just about crime, but about the ideas behind it.
The Troubling Influence of U.S. Mass Shootings Beyond Borders
The Teotihuacán shooting is not just about one violent act. It’s about how the culture of mass shootings in the U.S. can cross borders and inspire others. Ramírez carried notes on U.S. shootings and posted about Columbine, one of the most infamous attacks in American history [Source: Google News]. He seemed to admire those who carried out such crimes.
This is a growing problem. The U.S. has seen over 600 mass shootings every year since 2020, according to the Gun Violence Archive. The details of these attacks, the motives, and even the shooters’ manifest
Why It Matters
- The attack highlights how violent ideologies and tactics can cross borders, raising global security concerns.
- Injuries to American tourists at a major landmark threaten Mexico’s image as a safe destination, impacting tourism.
- Authorities must address not only physical safety but also the spread of extremist ideas influencing local crimes.
