Mexico’s government has announced a significant increase in security measures at key tourist destinations following a shooting at the ancient Teotihuacan pyramids, less than two months before the country is set to co-host the Fifa World Cup.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, saw a lone gunman open fire on tourists atop one of the iconic pyramids at the UNESCO Heritage Site, a popular attraction near Mexico City. The attack resulted in the death of one Canadian tourist and left a dozen others injured.
The shooting immediately prompted questions for President Claudia Sheinbaum regarding her government’s security protocols ahead of the major international tournament, which Mexico will jointly host with the United States and Canada this summer.
Teotihuacan, located approximately an hour from the capital, was anticipated to be a significant draw for visitors during the festivities, with local lawmakers having recently proposed reviving a nighttime interactive light show at the pyramids for World Cup attendees.
The unexpected act of violence poses a challenge to President Sheinbaum’s administration, which has been striving to project an image of safety and stability in the lead-up to the tournament, particularly after a surge of cartel violence in Guadalajara, another World Cup host city, in February.
Mexican security analyst David Saucedo commented: “Events like this only further magnify the negative images that Mexico has on security issues, undermining the narrative that President Sheinbaum is trying to build that Mexico is a safe country.”
On Tuesday, President Sheinbaum described the shooting as “an isolated incident”, acknowledging that the archaeological site lacked adequate security filters. She noted that such an event had not previously occurred in such a public space.
While Mexico grapples with cartel violence, particularly in strategic and rural areas, mass shootings in public spaces remain rare compared to the United States, where firearms are more easily obtainable.
Sheinbaum suggested the shooter appeared to be influenced by “outside influences”, specifically referencing the 1999 Columbine massacre in Colorado.
“Our obligation as a government is to take the appropriate measures to ensure that a situation like this does not happen again. But clearly, we all know — Mexicans know — that this is something that had not previously taken place,” Sheinbaum stated.
Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s Security Secretary, who leads the government’s efforts against cartels, announced on Tuesday that security forces have been instructed to “immediately strengthen security” at archaeological sites and major tourist destinations nationwide.
This will involve increasing the presence of the Mexican National Guard, enhancing security checks, and fortifying surveillance systems to “identify and prevent any threats” to both citizens and visitors.
The government’s swift announcement aims to allay persistent concerns about violence in Mexico ahead of the tournament.
President Sheinbaum’s administration has frequently highlighted its security achievements, including a sharp decline in homicides to their lowest levels in a decade, as well as the apprehension of several high-ranking cartel leaders and a reduction in fentanyl seizures at the US-Mexico border.
However, recent months have presented challenges, notably the outbreak of violence in Guadalajara following the killing of a powerful cartel boss.
Despite this, Sheinbaum has assured that there would be “no risk” for fans attending the tournament, a sentiment echoed by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who expressed “full confidence” in Mexico as a host nation. Sheinbaum subsequently met with Fifa representatives to review World Cup security arrangements.
Mexico’s government has committed to deploying 100,000 security forces across the country for the World Cup, with a particular focus on the three host cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
Officials also plan to utilize over 2,000 military vehicles, dozens of aircraft and drones, and establish security perimeters around stadiums and airports in key urban centers.
“As you can see, we are very prepared for the World Cup,” Sheinbaum affirmed in early March.
Despite the unusual nature of the shooting at the pyramids, this extreme act of violence has intensified scrutiny over the government’s ability to prevent such incidents during the upcoming football tournament, once again increasing pressure on the administration.
Fifa, when approached for comment on the pyramid shooting, typically refrains from addressing security issues or incidents that occur away from tournament venues.
Security analyst David Saucedo warned that the imperative to concentrate security in host cities and tourist areas like Teotihuacan might inadvertently divert resources from other crime-ridden regions that are in greater need of police and military presence.
“Events like the one that took place yesterday in Teotihuacan clearly show that public safety agencies are overwhelmed,” he concluded.
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