Mexico increases security measures at popular tourist destinations

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Admits Lack of Security Measures at Teotihuacan Site

A shooting incident occurred on Monday at a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico, resulting in one fatality and 13 injuries. The attack took place at the pyramids of Teotihuacan, located approximately an hour from Mexico City.

According to reports, local lawmakers had recently proposed reviving a night-time interactive light show projected on the pyramids for World Cup visitors. However, it was revealed that the site lacked adequate security measures in place to prevent such an incident.

Mexican President Sheinbaum acknowledged that the archaeological site did not have sufficient security protocols in place, citing the shooting as an “isolated incident” that had not occurred before in a public space. The attacker appeared to be motivated by external influences, specifically referencing the 1999 Columbine massacre in Colorado.

In response to the incident, Mexican Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch announced plans to strengthen security at archaeological sites and key tourist destinations nationwide. Measures include increasing the presence of the Mexican National Guard, boosting security checks, and fortifying surveillance systems to identify and prevent potential threats.

The government has also taken steps to address concerns about violence in Mexico ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada in June and July. The tournament is expected to bring a significant influx of visitors to the country.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed confidence in Mexico’s ability to host the tournament safely. Mexican authorities have doubled down on security measures, deploying 100,000 security personnel across the country, particularly in the three host cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

Source: Al Jazeera