Shooting in Teotihuacán: SRE establishes contact with the embassies of Canada and Colombia

The Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) immediately activated consular attention mechanisms and diplomatic coordination after the shooting that occurred this Monday in the Teotihuacan Archaeological Zone, in the State of Mexico, which left a balance of two deceased people —including a Canadian woman— and at least seven injured of different nationalities.

SRE coordinates attention with embassies after shooting in Teotihuacán

The Chancellery informed that it established direct contact with the diplomatic representations of the countries of the affected people, particularly with the Canadian embassy in Mexico, after confirming the death of a citizen of that country, as well as with authorities from Colombia, because two women of that nationality were injured. The dependency detailed that it maintains permanent communication with these embassies with the aim of providing consular assistance, accompaniment to the victims and punctual follow-up to the investigations.

This intervention is part of the international protocols that are activated when foreign citizens are involved in acts of violence outside their country.

In this context, President Claudia Sheinbaum pointed out that the SRE is working in a coordinated manner with federal and state authorities and security forces to address the emergency and guarantee the protection of the affected people.

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What happened in the Archaeological Zone of Teotihuacan today

The events were recorded around 11:30 a.m. inside the archaeological zone, one of the most visited tourist sites in the country. According to preliminary reports, a man opened fire on a group of visitors following an alleged fight. The attack would have started at the top of the Pyramid of the Moon, from where the aggressor carried out multiple detonations.

A man is observed at the top of the Pyramid of the Moon in the archaeological zone of Teotihuacan. The images correspond to the events of April 20, 2026, the date on which a shooting was reported at the site. On the pyramidal structure, other people are in a position of protection. This video is an event coverage.

Witnesses spread on social media videos in which tourists are observed trying to take cover while shots are heard. Among the fatal victims is a woman of Canadian nationality. The attacker, after shooting at several people, took his own life at the same place.

Security operation and care for the injured in Teotihuacan

Following the shooting, authorities from the State of Mexico, in coordination with the National Guard, deployed an immediate operation to control the situation, cordon off the area, and evacuate visitors. The preliminary balance includes seven injured people, who were transferred to nearby hospitals. Among them are two Colombian women, a Russian citizen, a Canadian person, and a minor.(X/@Diario_D21) At the scene, a firearm, a knife, and live cartridges were secured. The authorities are continuing their investigations to clarify the events and determine the circumstances that led to the attack.

What happens when foreigners are killed in Mexico: legal and diplomatic implications

When a foreign person is a victim of homicide in Mexico, various legal and diplomatic mechanisms are activated that go beyond an ordinary criminal investigation. First, the corresponding prosecutor's office —local or federal— opens an investigation file for intentional homicide, a crime that can be punished with sentences exceeding 50 years in prison, depending on the aggravating factors. When a foreigner dies in Mexico, investigation protocols and consular assistance are activated in coordination with their embassy or consulate. (Photo: Twitter/ @FernandoCruzFr7) Parallelly, the embassy or consulate of the country of origin intervenes to provide assistance to the family of the victim, follow up on the case, and manage the repatriation of the body. This accompaniment is key in legal and administrative processes.

International Pressure and Attention to Foreign Victims

Cases involving foreigners often generate greater media visibility and diplomatic pressure on the Mexican government. This can translate into a faster response from the authorities and closer monitoring of investigations. In some high-impact cases, the Mexican State has granted economic compensations to relatives of foreign victims, although these processes can take years.

Shooting in the Archaeological Zone of Teotihuacan leaves two dead and five injured: one victim is Canadian. (Social Media)

Furthermore, official data has shown an increase in the homicides of foreign people in the country in recent years, especially in entities with high criminal incidence or with a strong presence of tourism and migration. You can also read:

Balance of the Attack in Teotihuacán

• Two people dead (including a Canadian woman and the attacker)
• Dayana Paola Castro Calderón (37, Colombia): impacts on the kneecap and glute with perforation
• Gerónimo González Castro (6, Colombia): wounds on the tibia and fibula
• Maikol Michelle Mictrocil (32, Russia): impact on the femur
• Telicia Lith (29, Canada): right suprascapular wound

The incident in Teotihuacán not only reignites concerns about the safety in tourist destinations, but also places the international attention on the capacity of response of the Mexican authorities to events involving foreign citizens. As investigations continue, the SRE maintains its central role as a link between Mexico and the affected countries.