Britain’s ambassador to Mexico ‘sacked after pointing rifle’ | UK | News | EUROtoday

Britain’s ambassador to Mexico was sacked earlier this 12 months after pointing an assault rifle at an embassy worker, it has emerged. It is known Jon Benjamin was on a go to to the Durango and Sinaloa areas of the nation, that are affected by drug cartels.

A video shared on-line seems to indicate Mr Benjamin dealing with the weapon contained in the automobile he was travelling in and level it in direction of a colleague sitting on the again seat.

Sources informed the Financial Times Mr Benjamin was sacked as Britain’s ambassador not lengthy after the incident in April.

The footage was posted on X from an nameless account which the identical publication studies is outwardly managed by embassy workers livid on the manner native workers had been handled.

It seems to indicate Mr Benjamin within the entrance passenger seat with the gun in his fingers, turning it in direction of an individual sitting within the again seat. The automobile seems to be stationary at that time limit.

The particular person within the again seat, whose face has been blurred, raises their hand in what probably seems to be a gesture of disbelief. Giggling will also be heard within the background, although it isn’t clear from whom.

The nameless account captioned the clip: “In a context of daily killings in Mexico by drug dealers, he dares to joke”.

According to the FT, it’s typical for overseas officers to journey with armed guards for cover when visiting harmful elements of Mexico.

Mr Benjamin has been approached by way of LinkedIn for remark.

A profession diplomat of 35 years, Mr Benjamin joined the Diplomatic Service in 1986, and represented the UK Government in Chile, Ghana, Turkey, Indonesia and the US. He has additionally directed an academy for overseas service employees. Mr Benjamin grew to become Britain’s ambassador to Mexico in August 2021.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office informed the FT: “We are aware of this incident and have taken appropriate action.

“Where inner points do come up the FCDO has sturdy HR processes to deal with them.”

Express.co.uk has additionally approached the FCDO individually.