Decision to restore actor’s firearm rights sparks internal rift at the Department of Justice, following the firing of a former U.S. pardon attorney.
Washington D.C., April 4:
Actor and filmmaker Mel Gibson has reportedly had his gun rights reinstated by the U.S. Department of Justice, more than a decade after losing them due to a domestic violence misdemeanor conviction in 2011, according to a report by The New York Times.
The decision is part of a broader move that saw ten individuals have their firearm privileges restored by Attorney General Pam Bondi, with full details expected to be published in the Federal Register.
⚖️ DOJ Rift and Oyer’s Dismissal
The decision follows a significant internal dispute within the DOJ. Elizabeth G. Oyer, former U.S. Pardon Attorney, told The Times she was fired after refusing to recommend Gibson’s gun rights be restored. Her account was corroborated by unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
Oyer revealed that a request had come from the office of Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to add Gibson’s name to a list of individuals eligible for rights restoration. Gibson, who was recently appointed by former President Donald Trump as a “special ambassador” to Hollywood, had reportedly attempted to purchase a handgun but was denied due to his prior conviction.
“Giving guns back to domestic abusers is a serious matter,” Oyer stated. “It’s not something I could recommend lightly.”
She further explained that she lacked sufficient background on Gibson’s case compared to others reviewed by her working group. In a memo to DOJ leadership, she formally declined to endorse the reinstatement, leaving the final decision to the Attorney General.
Soon after, she was informed of her termination.
🗣️ Public & Legal Reactions Pending
The Hollywood Reporter noted that Gibson’s representatives have not yet commented on the DOJ’s decision. The move is likely to raise ethical and legal questions, particularly surrounding the precedent it may set for domestic violence-related gun bans.
The reinstatement may also attract scrutiny due to Gibson’s high-profile appointment earlier this year and its potential political implications.
📜 Background
- Mel Gibson, 68, lost his gun rights after pleading no contest to domestic battery in 2011, in a case involving his former partner.
- He was placed on probation and ordered to attend counseling.
- Despite his legal history, he has continued working in Hollywood and recently made headlines for his appointment by Trump as a cultural liaison.