Houston firefighter and doctor save shooting victims at Mexican pyramid tourist site

A Houston firefighter and his doctor wife turned their vacation into a rescue mission after a gunman opened fire at a popular tourist spot north of Mexico City this week.

Dr. Jyothi Lagisetty and her husband, Capt. Andrew Roseborrough of the Houston Fire Department, were visiting the Mayan pyramids Monday when gunshots rang out among a group of tourists.

“We had never been to Mexico City – the flights were cheap and we were like, ‘Let’s go,’” Lagisetty said.

The couple had arrived on Sunday for a short trip. On Monday, they joined a group of tourists to visit the nearby pyramids and ruins, about an hour from the city.

Lagisetty remained at the base while Roseborrough climbed to the top to take photos. As he began to descend, he heard gunshots.

“I was about five or six steps down when I heard a loud noise,” Roseborrough said. “As I was thinking about what it could have been, I heard five or six more gunshots.”

Mexican authorities said a 27-year-old gunman opened fire on tourists, wounding seven people and briefly taking others hostage. Roseborrough rushed to his wife and the two hid behind a stone wall.

“It was surreal to see him raise his gun in the air and shoot it with hostages up there,” Lagisetty said.

Authorities said Mexican military personnel arrived minutes later. The shooter then committed suicide.

Amid the chaos, the couple heard a cry for help.

“We just heard someone screaming for a doctor, and I don’t even think we said a word,” Lagisetty said. “We just ran to where the voice was.”

They found a young boy, between 5 and 7 years old, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his lower body.

Lagisetty, a pediatric emergency room doctor, immediately began treating him.

“What are the chances of this happening when you were there?” » he was asked. “Almost nothing.”

After stabilizing the child, the couple went to help his injured mother.

“Thanks to a great firefighter and emergency room doctor, we were able to secure the scene and provide everyone with everything they needed,” Roseborrough said.

The boy and his mother were taken to hospital and are expected to survive.

Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, said the couple’s actions reflect the commitment of first responders, even off-duty.

“When someone calls us saying we need help…without asking questions, without missing a beat, they step up and do what they do best, which is save lives,” Lancton said.

Back home in Houston, the couple said they were just grateful to be there at the right time.

“We’re just happy we were able to help,” Lagisetty said.

Roseborrough added that although he knew his wife’s expertise, seeing her in action under such circumstances left a lasting impression on him.

“I know what kind of doctor she is, but I’ve never seen her on stage,” he said. “I was very impressed with my wife that day.”

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