Former pardon attorney challenges firing after refusing to restore Mel Gibson’s gun rights

Former pardon attorney sues DOJ over firing tied to Mel Gibson gun rights case

Elizabeth Oyer, former U.S. pardon attorney, filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice and Attorney General Todd Blanche, alleging she was unlawfully terminated in March 2025 after refusing to recommend restoration of actor Mel Gibson's gun rights. Oyer was dismissed during an early wave of firings after the office of then-Deputy Attorney General Blanche asked her to add Gibson to a list of pardon candidates.