Mr. Gibson lost his right to own guns after his conviction in 2011. Federal law prohibits all those with felony convictions, and those with certain domestic violence misdemeanors, from possessing guns.

Justice Department lawyer Elizabeth Oyer tells the New York Times she was fired for failing to recommend that Mel Gibson have his gun rights restored.

Gibson, a high-profile supporter of Donald Trump and one of his "special ambassadors" to Hollywood, lost his right to purchase or own a handgun after a 2011 domestic violence misdemeanor conviction.