Fired DOJ Pardon Lawyer Sues Over Refusal to Restore Mel Gibson's Gun Rights

A former Justice Department pardon attorney has filed a lawsuit against her termination, alleging she was unlawfully fired for refusing to recommend the restoration of actor Mel Gibson's gun rights. Liz Oyer, who served as a pardon attorney, claims her dismissal in March 2025 was punishment for declining a request from the staff of then-Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to add Gibson to a list of individuals recommended for reinstatement of gun privileges.

Oyer said she objected on public safety grounds, citing Gibson's prior domestic violence conviction that had led to the loss of his gun rights. Her lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, seeks a court order declaring her firing unlawful and reinstating her to federal service. It argues that her removal violated civil service protections for career employees and her First Amendment free speech rights, asserting that she was terminated because of her perceived political affiliation.

"When Ms. Oyer declined to disregard her duties in order to perform a favor for her politically-appointed superiors and President Trump, she was summarily terminated," the lawsuit states.

Blanche, who has since been confirmed as Attorney General, denied Oyer's account at his Senate confirmation hearing. He said he knew nothing about Mel Gibson or the letter at the time of her firing. Blanche also cited other reasons for her dismissal, including her recommendations to commute sentences for individuals on federal death row during the Biden administration, which he said were inconsistent with presidential authority.

Oyer testified against Blanche's nomination and told senators that his explanation about commutations was the first time she had heard it. She said his denial regarding Gibson "materialized out of thin air."

The lawsuit comes after Oyer said the Merit Systems Protection Board left her case in "prolonged limbo." She said her case is about the ability of civil servants to uphold the law without fear or favor. "If career officials like me can be fired for refusing to bend the rules to serve the president's friends, then the message to every public servant is clear: loyalty to a politician matters more than loyalty to the Constitution," she said.