Mel Gibson is reportedly set to regain his gun rights. The Justice Department will reportedly restore gun rights to Gibson and nine others. Previously, federal law prohibited domestic violence offenders from possessing firearms. The 69-year-old actor lost these firearm privileges following a 2011 misdemeanor domestic violence conviction.
Mel Gibson to get his gun rights back
Mel Gibson will gain his gun rights more than a decade after losing the privilege. Previously, concerns over Gibson’s firearm privileges led to the Justice Department’s pardon attorney, Elizabeth G. Oyer, getting fired.
As per the The New York Times, Gibson and nine others will be able to own guns again, as approved by Attorney General Pam Bondi. Sources in the justice department revealed the updates, stating that The Federal Register will publish the specific details of the decision later.
Previously, Oyer had raised concerns about the decision of giving back gun rights to domestic violence offenders. Oyer told The New York Times, “Giving guns back to domestic abusers is a serious matter,” adding that it’s not something she would “recommend lightly.” The attorney further noted, “Because there are real consequences that flow from people who have a history of domestic violence being in possession of firearms.”
Recent Justice Department regulations create pathways for certain convicted individuals to regain firearm privileges. The department emphasized its commitment to preventing “violent and dangerous people” from legally acquiring weapons.
However, the new regulations acknowledge the importance of establishing “an appropriate avenue” for rights restoration for qualifying individuals. The Federal Register’s last month’s interim rules outlined the new regulations.
Gibson lost his gun rights in 2011 after pleading no contest to the charge of misdemeanor battery of his ex-girlfriend. His no-contest deal allowed him to serve no jail time. While explaining the no-contest approach of Gibson, his lawyer, Blair Berk, stated, “The district attorney’s office has agreed that resolving the matter does not require Mr. Gibson to say guilty” (via Los Angeles Times).
Originally reported by Arpita Adhya on ComingSoon.
