Key Takeaways:
- A former DOJ pardon attorney claims she was fired for refusing to support restoring Mel Gibson’s gun rights.
- Gibson lost his gun rights after a 2011 domestic violence conviction.
- The DOJ rarely restores gun rights due to public safety risks.
- Trump has a history of making pardon decisions without formal input.
Mel Gibson’s Gun Rights At Center of DOJ Controversy
A former top official at the Department of Justice says she was fired for opposing a plan to restore actor Mel Gibson’s gun rights. Elizabeth Oyer, who used to handle pardons, says this decision risked public safety and broke normal procedures.
Why the Firearm Restriction?
Mel Gibson lost his right to own guns after a 2011 domestic violence conviction. Federal law bans people with such convictions from owning firearms because they are more likely to commit future violence. The Justice Department rarely restores these rights, but senior officials were planning to make an exception for Gibson.
Who Is Elizabeth Oyer?
Elizabeth Oyer was a high-ranking pardon attorney at the DOJ. She and her team reviewed requests for clemency, including those involving gun rights. Oyer says she was fired along with other senior lawyers in a series of moves by the Trump administration to remove career officials.
The Trump Connection
Mel Gibson is a known supporter of Donald Trump. Recently, Trump appointed Gibson, along with actors Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone, as special ambassadors to Hollywood. Gibson has a history of controversial behavior, including a 2006 DUI arrest where he made anti-Semitic remarks.
Why This Matters
Fired DOJ officials are concerned about the integrity of the pardon process. Oyer and others worry that restoring Gibson’s gun rights could set a dangerous precedent. They argue that such decisions should follow strict guidelines, not personal connections or political influence.
What’s Next?
The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the Trump administration’s handling of senior DOJ positions. Oyer’s firing and the push to restore Gibson’s gun rights have raised questions about the politicization of the Justice Department and its impact on public safety.