Former Pardon Attorney Sues Justice Department Over Mel Gibson Case

Former pardon attorney Elizabeth Oyer has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Justice Department and Attorney General Todd Blanche, alleging her dismissal last year was unlawful and politically motivated. Oyer claims she was asked to facilitate the restoration of actor Mel Gibson's gun rights, a request she refused due to her duties and Gibson's alleged relationship with President Trump.

In the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Oyer asserts that she was asked to make it appear as though an independent review had concluded Gibson should have his gun rights restored. Gibson had lost these rights following a 2011 domestic violence misdemeanor conviction. Oyer states that shortly after her refusal, she was fired by then deputy attorney general Todd Blanche.

The Justice Department has not immediately responded to the allegations. However, following Oyer's dismissal in March 2025, a department official told The New York Times that the disagreement over Gibson played no role in the decision. Oyer previously told the Times that she was dismissed a day after refusing the recommendation, an account reportedly confirmed by individuals familiar with the discussions.

Oyer served as pardon attorney from April 2022 until March 2025. She argues her removal violated her constitutional due process rights, her rights under the Civil Service Reform Act, her First Amendment rights, and core separation of power principles. She is seeking to be reinstated to federal service, receive owed pay and benefits, and be protected from further adverse personnel actions.