Mel Gibson’s gun rights have been restored by the justice department recently

The U.S. Justice Department has recently granted Mel Gibson the right to own a firearm again, despite his 2011 conviction for domestic violence. This decision was made after Attorney General Pam Bondi approved the restoration of his gun rights, alongside those of nine other individuals.

According to The New York Times, this ruling means that Gibson, who is best known for his roles in movies like Signs and Braveheart, is now legally allowed to possess firearms—though this is still subject to the laws of his state. The actor, who lives in Nevada, will be permitted to carry a gun even though state law typically prohibits felons from doing so. However, Gibson’s conviction was classified as a misdemeanor, not a felony, which led to the restoration of his rights.

Gibson’s case has raised significant debate within the Justice Department. His appointment as a “special ambassador” to Hollywood by President Donald Trump in January, alongside other Hollywood figures like Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone, has added fuel to the controversy surrounding his firearm rights.

The decision has sparked concern, especially after the firing of the department’s pardon attorney, Elizabeth G. Oyer, in March. Oyer had expressed reservations about allowing someone with a history of domestic violence to regain their right to own a gun. She argued that such a decision could have serious implications, as it could allow individuals with a background in domestic abuse to legally possess firearms. However, a senior Justice Department official clarified that Oyer’s firing was unrelated to her stance on Gibson’s case.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Justice Department recently introduced new guidelines allowing for the restoration of gun rights to certain individuals with criminal records, as long as they can demonstrate that they have “earned the chance” to own a firearm again.