According to media reports and a circulating online video, the British ambassador to Mexico has been dismissed from his position. The video depicts Jon Benjamin, a career diplomat, pointing an assault rifle at a local embassy employee in a car, with the employee's face blurred in the footage.

Accompanying the video on social media platform X was a post criticising Benjamin's actions. It highlighted the seriousness of the incident, particularly given the ongoing violence in Mexico perpetrated by drug dealers. The post questioned Benjamin's decision to joke in such a context, suggesting it was inappropriate and insensitive.

The Financial Times reported that the ambassador had been dismissed from his post following an incident during an official trip to the states of Durango and Sinaloa in April. The incident, which involved the ambassador pointing an assault rifle at a local embassy employee, led to his removal.

Mexico has been grappling with violence stemming from the activities of the country's drug cartels, resulting in approximately 30,000 murders annually.

"We are aware of this incident and have taken appropriate action," stated a spokesperson for Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

According to information on his LinkedIn page, Benjamin's tenure as ambassador concluded in May. A biography on the UK government website confirms that he served as the UK Ambassador to Mexico from 2021 to 2024. Efforts to obtain a comment from Benjamin or the British embassy in Mexico were unsuccessful.

The incident involving the British ambassador to Mexico pointing an assault rifle at a local embassy employee has drawn significant attention, raising concerns about diplomatic conduct and appropriateness. The removal of the ambassador from his post underscores the seriousness with which such actions are viewed, particularly in a country grappling with ongoing violence and security challenges.

Image source: Reuters