A chilling scene unfolded at the ancient Teotihuacan pyramids near Mexico City on Monday, as a gunman terrorized tourists and claimed to be enacting human sacrifices. The attacker, identified as 27-year-old Julio César Jasso, held a group hostage atop the Pyramid of the Moon, unleashing a wave of fear and violence.
Captured on a tourist’s video, Jasso’s words were laced with disturbing pronouncements. He reportedly shouted at the terrified visitors, threatening to sacrifice them on the very grounds where ancient civilizations once performed ritualistic offerings. “Don’t move, or I’ll sacrifice you,” he declared, his voice echoing across the historic site.
The gunman expressed a venomous disdain for those who came to simply admire the ruins. He railed against them for treating the sacred space as a backdrop for casual photographs, claiming it was “built for sacrifices. Not for visiting and taking a f, s* photo.”
Investigators discovered a disturbing connection to two significant dates: the 27th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting and the birthday of Adolf Hitler. This suggests a deliberate and calculated act, fueled by a dark and twisted ideology.
In a horrifying boast captured on video, Jasso claimed responsibility for the deaths of two individuals, stating, “See. I keep my word. Two f Koreans are dead there. I sacrificed them like dogs.” He also threatened those who had traveled from Europe, declaring they would not return home.
The attack left seven people shot, and a total of thirteen injured. The sprawling Teotihuacan complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a magnet for millions of tourists annually, was transformed into a scene of chaos and panic.
Injuries weren’t limited to gunshot wounds; some individuals were hurt in the ensuing scramble for safety, falling while attempting to descend the steep pyramid steps. The victims represented a diverse range of nationalities, including citizens from the United States, Colombia, Russia, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Canada.
The youngest victim was just six years old, while the oldest was 61, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence. Authorities confirmed that Jasso acted alone, ultimately taking his own life at the scene.
A subsequent search revealed a handgun, a knife, and ammunition, providing further insight into the planning and execution of the attack. The investigation continues to unravel the motives behind this shocking act of violence at a place revered for its history and cultural significance.
