U.S. Justice Department restores Mel Gibson's gun rights despite past conviction

In April 2025, Mel Gibson, the Oscar-winning actor known for his controversial past, was granted restoration of his gun rights by the United States Justice Department. This decision came after Gibson lost his gun rights in 2011 when he was charged with misdemeanor spousal battery, for which he had pleaded no contest, completing a plea deal that included probation, counseling, and community service. Attorney General Pam Bondi approved the restoration of Gibson's rights, which also applied to nine other individuals with past convictions. The announcement followed a controversy where a former Department of Justice pardon attorney was fired for refusing to include Gibson in a list of candidates eligible for gun rights restoration, raising questions about ethics and favoritism due to Gibson's known support of President Trump. The particulars of the decision are anticipated to be published in the Federal Register, highlighting ongoing debates about gun ownership laws and the re-integration of individuals with previous convictions into society. The Justice Department noted that federal law typically prohibits firearm ownership for those with felony convictions or domestic violence charges, underscoring the significance of this ruling that effectively lifts that ban for Gibson's case.