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By Sean O'Driscoll
Senior Crime and Courts Reporter
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A recently fired Justice Department attorney has told a congressional hearing that there is "ongoing corruption" in the government agency.
Last month, Liz Oyer was allegedly fired after refusing to recommend that gun rights be restored to actor Mel Gibson, President Donald Trump's "special ambassador to Hollywood."
Newsweek contacted Oyer via X, formerly Twitter, and the Justice Department via email for comment.
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Why It Matters
Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has worked to radically transform the federal government. In February, under the guidance of the Department of Government Efficiency, the administration initiated mass firings across federal agencies.
Trump has also overseen the firing of independent watchdogs, which critics described as a dismantling of checks on his power. Oyer's firing has become a lightning rod issue for allegations that the Trump administration is firing or sidelining anyone who does not agree with its agenda.
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What To Know
On April 7, speaking before the joint House and Senate Judiciary Committees, Oyer told members of Congress, "It should alarm all Americans that the leadership of the Department of Justice appears to value political loyalty above the fair and responsible administration of justice."
"It should offend all Americans that our leaders are treating public servants with a lack of basic decency and humanity," she added.
In 2022, Oyer was appointed as a Justice Department pardon attorney. According to the agency's website: "The Office of the Pardon Attorney assists the President in the exercise of executive clemency. Executive clemency may take several forms, including pardon, commutation of sentence, remission of fine or restitution, and reprieve."
She said in the congressional hearing that on Friday night, the Justice Department sent armed deputy marshals to her home to deliver a letter warning her against testifying.
"The letter was a warning to me about the risks of testifying here today. But I am here because I will not be bullied into concealing the ongoing corruption and abuse of power at the Department of Justice," Oyer said.
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Oyer said she was fired in March after refusing to recommend restoring Second Amendment rights to Gibson, who lost his gun rights following a 2011 domestic violence conviction.
A California judge sentenced the actor to three years of probation for hitting Oksana Grigorieva, his girlfriend at the time.
What People Are Saying
Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin, the leader on the House Judiciary Committee, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on April 7: "The Trump Admin sent armed marshals in a mafia-style intimidation campaign to silence and intimidate a witness set to testify in my spotlight hearing with @SenAdamSchiff. Today, Liz Oyer appeared undaunted, standing for what is right, lawful and just, to give her testimony."
Associate Deputy Attorney General Kendra Wharton wrote to Liz Oyer: "Should you choose to appear before Congress, the department expects that you will abide by your obligations under the law, Department policy, and the applicable rules of professional responsibility. Those matters include the deliberative processes that underlie pardons, clemency, the restoration of firearm rights, and related decisions."
What Happens Next
Following testimony from Oyer and other former employees of the Justice Department, Democrats may issue a statement or report condemning ongoing partisan politics at the agency.
It remains to be seen whether a federal lawsuit demanding Oyer's reinstatement will be filed.
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