UK envoy to Mexico dismissed after brandishing weapon at coworker, per Financial Times.
In a five-second video posted on May 26 to a certain X account known as Subdiplomatic, it shows Jon Benjamin in the front seat of a car, picking up a gun and aiming it at someone sitting in the back. There are also giggles heard throughout the video.
CNN attempted to contact Benjamin with no response given.
A spokesperson for the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said on Saturday that they know about this occurrence and have handled it appropriately, commenting further that they have strong HR processes to tackle such issues.
The Financial Times obtained information from sources that claimed Benjamin lost his job after the incident happened in April during a business trip in the Mexican states of Durango and Sinaloa.
CNN sent an inquiry to the Mexican foreign ministry but received no response. In terms of seeking more details, the UK embassy in Mexico redirected CNN's questions to the British Foreign Office.
The UK government's website no longer lists Benjamin as an ambassador to Mexico. His previous positions are written, "Jon Benjamin served as the UK Ambassador to Mexico from 2021 until 2024," and this particular title is showcased under the section "Prior positions in government." The website is silent on why he's no longer holding this position.
Mexico is prepping for its elections on Sunday, struggling with widespread violent crime and high crime and homicide rates.
Read also:
Despite the incident involving UK envoy Jon Benjamin, the UK government remains engaged with the world, as shown by its ambassadorial posts in various nations. The UK has a strong presence in the global political landscape, including in Mexico, where it continues to have diplomatic relations despite changes in certain positions.
