Four Colombians Injured in Teotihuacan Attack in Mexico

Written on 04/21/2026
Josep Freixes
Four Colombians, two of whom are in serious condition, are among those injured in the attack at the pyramids of Teotihuacan, Mexico. Credit: Josep Maria Freixes / Colombia One.

Four Colombians — including a minor — were injured in the shooting that took place Monday in the archaeological zone of Teotihuacan, an incident that also left two people dead — including the attacker himself, who took his own life — and at least nine others injured of different nationalities.

Two of these Colombian citizens are in critical condition, which has triggered Colombia’s diplomatic and consular response as their families closely monitor their medical progress.

The shooting, which occurred at one of Mexico’s most visited tourist destinations, sparked scenes of panic among dozens of visitors touring the site. The gunfire, according to initial reports, took place near the Pyramid of the Moon, forcing tourists and workers to seek shelter amid the confusion.

Four Colombians injured in Teotihuacan attack in Mexico

According to preliminary information from Mexican authorities, an armed man opened fire on visitors without warning. The attacker, who allegedly used a handgun, fired repeatedly before being neutralized by security forces present at the scene, although the Mexican Security Cabinet reported that the assailant ultimately took his own life.

The attack left two people dead at the scene and at least 13 injured, several of them seriously. Authorities have kept the investigation open to determine the motive behind the attack. So far, it has not been confirmed whether it was a targeted act against specific individuals or an episode of indiscriminate violence.

The State of Mexico Prosecutor’s Office is working to collect testimony and audiovisual material to reconstruct what happened at one of the most crowded areas of the archaeological complex. “According to preliminary information, a man fired shots at the site and later took his own life,” authorities said.

Among the injured are four Colombian citizens who were part of different tourist groups. Two of them suffered serious gunshot wounds and remain hospitalized in guarded condition. The other two, although out of danger, also required immediate medical attention for injuries and trauma caused by the stampede that followed the gunfire.

Diplomatic sources confirmed that the Colombian consulate in Mexico activated assistance protocols to support the victims and their families. Efforts are underway to facilitate contact with medical centers, as well as provide logistical support for those requiring transfers or specialized medical follow-up.

The incident has raised concerns among Colombian authorities, who are closely monitoring the condition of the most seriously injured. It has also raised questions about security conditions at international tourist destinations frequently visited by Colombian citizens.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities in the State of Mexico have indicated that security cameras are being analyzed and witness testimonies are being collected to determine how the attack occurred and whether there was any prior planning. They are also seeking to establish whether the attacker acted alone or had any kind of support.

At the same time, security has been reinforced at the archaeological complex as the investigation moves forward. The objective is to prevent new incidents and ensure the protection of visitors at one of the country’s main tourist attractions.

Teotihuacan is one of the most important archaeological sites in Latin America and receives millions of visitors each year. The Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon are historical and cultural symbols that make the site a must-see destination for both domestic and international tourists.

The attack has called into question security protocols in high-traffic tourist areas. Although the site has a security presence, the fact that an armed attacker was able to act within the environment generates concern about possible failures in access control and surveillance.

Security experts note that this type of incident, while rare in tourist spaces of this nature, has a high impact due to the profile of the victims and the site’s international visibility. The response of Mexican authorities will be key to restoring visitors’ confidence.

For her part, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote a message on her X social media account stating that “what happened today in Teotihuacan deeply pains us.” She also noted that she has already instructed “the Security Cabinet to thoroughly investigate these events and provide all necessary support.”