GUNMAN AT MEXICO’S TEOTIHUACAN SITE KILLS ONE, WOUNDS SEVEN IN SUSPECTED COPYCAT ATTACK TIED TO U.S VIOLENCE. (PHOTO).

 Gunman at Mexico’s Teotihuacan site kills one, wounds seven in suspected copycat attack tied to U.S violence

A gunman who carried out a deadly attack at one of Mexico’s most visited tourist destinations was likely influenced by violent incidents in the United States, according to officials. The shooting unfolded late Monday morning at the Teotihuacan pyramids, an archaeological site outside Mexico City, where the suspect opened fire on visitors from atop one of the structures. Armed with a revolver, he reportedly reloaded multiple times during the attack before ultimately taking his own life. Authorities said one person was killed and seven others were wounded by gunfire, while several more were injured amid the chaos as people fled the scene.

Investigators identified the suspect as Julio César Jaso Ramírez and said he acted alone in what appears to have been a planned assault, not connected to organized crime. Officials said he had previously visited the site multiple times and stayed in nearby hotels while preparing for the attack. He was found carrying 52 rounds of ammunition, a bladed weapon, and handwritten materials referencing past violent incidents, including events believed to have taken place in the United States in April 1999. Authorities are examining the possibility of a “copycat” motive, noting similarities to previous mass shootings. During the response, police and National Guard forces came under fire, and the suspect was shot in the leg before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as he was being subdued.

The victim killed in the shooting was a Canadian woman, and those injured included people from several countries, including Brazil, Colombia, the Netherlands, Russia, the United States, and Canada. In addition to those struck by gunfire, others were hurt during the panic, including injuries from falls. Officials said the attacker may have shown signs of psychological distress and described the incident as unprecedented for the country. Authorities are now investigating how he was able to bring a weapon into the heavily visited site.

In response to the attack, Mexico’s government announced plans to tighten security at archaeological sites and other public spaces nationwide. Measures are expected to include increased deployment of the National Guard and the installation of screening equipment to prevent weapons from being brought into high-traffic tourist areas.