Almost Tragedy
British Ambassador Points Rifle to Mexican Staff: Reportedly Sacked
The British ambassador Mexico was quietly removed from his post this year after he pointed a rifle at a local employee
MEXICO CITY The British ambassador to Mexico, Jon Benjamin, has been dismissed from his position following a controversial incident in which he allegedly pointed an assault rifle at a local embassy employee. The episode, which occurred during an official trip to the Mexican states of Durango and Sinaloa, was captured on video and has since circulated widely on social media, sparking outrage and concern.
The incident reportedly took place in April, during a visit to regions notorious for their high levels of cartel violence. The video, posted by an anonymous account on the social media platform X, shows Benjamin sitting in a stationary SUV-type vehicle, turning to point the weapon at a person in the back seat. The footage, which has not been independently verified, depicts Benjamin smiling as he aims the gun, while the employee appears visibly uncomfortable.
The account that posted the video, @subdiplomatic, has been active in criticizing Benjamin and the British Embassy in Mexico, alleging mistreatment of local staff and a culture of impunity. One post accompanying the video stated, "In a context of daily killings in Mexico by drug dealers, he dares to joke." The account further claimed that the embassy has a history of hiding such incidents and that Mexican staff members are afraid to speak up due to broken internal whistleblowing mechanisms.
The Financial Times, which first reported the story, cited unnamed sources familiar with the matter who confirmed that Benjamin was removed from his post shortly after the incident. The UK government has acknowledged the episode, stating that "appropriate action" was taken, though it did not explicitly confirm Benjamin's termination. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) emphasized that it has "robust HR processes" to address internal issues.
Benjamin's LinkedIn profile indicates that his term as ambassador ended in May, and the UK government website now lists Rachel Brazier, the former deputy head of mission, as the chargé d’affaires. Despite multiple requests for comment, neither Benjamin nor the British Embassy in Mexico City has publicly addressed the incident.
The context of the incident has added to the controversy. Mexico has been grappling with an alarming homicide rate, with over 30,000 homicides recorded annually for the past six years. The regions of Durango and Sinaloa, where the incident occurred, are particularly affected by cartel violence. Foreign officials visiting these high-risk areas typically travel with armed security personnel, and it is believed that the weapon Benjamin pointed at the employee belonged to his security detail.
The incident has raised questions about the conduct and judgment of diplomatic representatives in volatile regions. Critics argue that Benjamin's actions were not only inappropriate but also dangerous, given the daily violence faced by Mexican citizens. The video has intensified scrutiny of the British Embassy's internal culture and its treatment of local staff.
Jon Benjamin, a diplomat with nearly four decades of experience, had served as the UK ambassador to Mexico since 2021. His previous postings included roles in Chile, Ghana, Turkey, Indonesia, and the United States. Throughout his tenure in Mexico, Benjamin was known for frequently posting updates about his activities on social media.
The timing of the video's release, just a week ahead of the Mexican elections, has also fueled speculation about its impact on diplomatic relations. Mexico is set to elect its first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, amid a campaign marred by violence, with over 30 candidates killed and hundreds more withdrawing due to threats from organized crime groups.
Despite the controversy, diplomatic relations between the UK and Mexico have generally remained stable. Negotiations for a new free trade agreement have been ongoing since 2022, and both countries continue to engage in various bilateral initiatives.
As the dust settles on this incident, the focus now shifts to the broader implications for diplomatic conduct and the safety of embassy staff in high-risk regions. The British government’s response and the measures it implements to prevent similar occurrences in the future will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers.