The British ambassador to Mexico is sacked for pointing an ASSAULT RIFLE at a terrified staff member
The British ambassador to Mexico was sacked earlier this year after pointing an assault rifle at a local embassy staffer, it has emerged – and footage of the incident is spreading online.
In the five-second clip, Jon Benjamin is seen pointing the gun while sitting in the front seat of a car as music and laughter can be heard.
According to reports, he was on an official trip to Durango and Sinaloa, two northern Mexican states ravaged by drug cartel violence.
A spokesperson for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in a statement to MailOnline: ‘We are aware of this incident and have taken appropriate action. If internal issues arise, the FCDO has robust HR processes in place to address them.”
The video of Mr Benjamin, a career ambassador, playing with the powerful weapon was posted on a social media account believed to have been created by disgruntled local staff at the British Embassy in Mexico City unhappy with their treatment .
A message accompanying the video reads: “In a context of daily murders in Mexico, he dares to joke.”
In the five-second clip, Jon Benjamin (pictured) is seen pointing the gun while sitting in the front seat of a car as music and laughter can be heard.
Mr. Benjamin was appointed to Mexico in 2021. He previously represented the British government in Chile, Ghana, Turkey, Indonesia and the United States
According to reports, he was on an official trip to Durango and Sinaloa, two northern Mexican states ravaged by drug cartel violence.
Another post adds: ‘The British Embassy in Mexico has a history of hiding things from the public. Including how Jon Benjamin’s “above all else” attitude has resulted in the systematic harassment of Mexican personnel.’
Mr Benjamin has been contacted for comment.
Mexico is currently experiencing a wave of violence, largely caused by drug cartels battling for control of the lucrative trade.
Mr. Benjamin was appointed to Mexico in 2021. He previously represented the British government in Chile, Ghana, Turkey, Indonesia and the United States during his 35-year career in the diplomatic service.
He is no longer listed as ambassador to Mexico on the British government website, with his former deputy now in charge.
This is not the first time Mr. Benjamin has found himself in controversy during his high-profile diplomatic career.
When he was Britain’s ambassador to Chile in 2012, he was forced to issue a groveling apology after posting a derogatory football tweet about Argentines and the Falklands War.
He added: ‘What were the islands they took, from whom and for what reason? Maybe I’ll get to know it on Tuesday at the National Stadium? I already have my ticket.’
His post caused national outrage in Argentina, with national media accusing him of being rude and insulting the nation.
Mr Benjamin later deleted the tweet and apologized, saying: “I’m sorry I offended you with a private message I accidentally published. I feel great affection for my Argentinian friends and respect for their national side.”