Full Breakdown
Former DOJ Pardon Attorney Sues Over Firing Linked to Mel Gibson Gun-Rights Recommendation
9/4/2026, 3:05:26 PM
Lawsuit Over Dismissal of Former Pardon Attorney
Elizabeth Oyer, who served as the Department of Justice’s Pardon Attorney from April 2022 until March 2025, filed a federal lawsuit in Washington, D.C., alleging that she was unlawfully terminated after refusing to add actor Mel Gibson to a list of individuals eligible for restoration of gun rights. The complaint claims the termination violated her constitutional rights and federal civil-service protections.
Background: Trump-Era Gun-Rights Review Process
Following President Donald Trump’s return to office in 2025, the Pardon Attorney’s office was tasked with identifying people convicted of crimes who might qualify for gun-rights restoration. The office initially compiled a list of roughly 95 candidates with old, non-violent convictions who had undergone “thorough investigation and vetting” and were deemed low-risk for recidivism. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s staff later reduced the list to nine names and subsequently instructed Oyer to add Gibson, whose gun rights had been revoked after a 2011 domestic-violence conviction. Oyer refused, citing Gibson’s lack of DOJ-conducted investigation.
Allegations and Official Positions
The lawsuit alleges that Blanche’s staff used a “bullying tone” and suggested Oyer would be “wise to make the recommendation” because of Gibson’s personal relationship with Trump, who had praised Gibson on Truth Social as a “special ambassador” to Hollywood. The Department of Justice has not provided a comment on the filing.
Quantitative Details
- Initial candidate pool: ~95 individuals.
- Final shortlist before Gibson’s addition: 9 individuals.
- Date Oyer communicated refusal to recommend Gibson: March 6, 2025.
Pending Judicial Action
Oyer seeks reinstatement to her former position, back pay, and restoration of benefits. The court’s schedule for hearings or a decision has not been disclosed.
