US Marshals Sent to Warn Fired Attorney Testifying to Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Justice Department dispatched armed U.S. marshals to deliver a letter warning former pardon attorney Liz Oyer about testifying before Congress, her attorney disclosed on Monday. This unprecedented action was taken after Oyer claims she was fired in connection with a controversial case involving the actor Mel Gibson.

Michael Bromwich, Oyer’s lawyer, characterized the decision as both ‘unprecedented’ and ‘completely inappropriate’ in a letter addressed to the Justice Department. ‘This highly unusual step of directing armed law enforcement officers to the home of a former Department of Justice employee who has engaged in no misconduct, let alone criminal conduct, simply to deliver a letter, is concerning,’ he wrote.

The incident arises from Oyer’s termination on March 7, shortly after she declined to endorse restoring Gibson’s gun rights. Gibson, known for his role in ‘Braveheart,’ lost those rights following a domestic violence probation sentence in 2011. Oyer revealed her dismissal occurred amidst a broader context of dismissals of career officials by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Oyer shared her experience during a testimony before congressional Democrats on Monday, stating, ‘I was in the car with my husband and my parents when I got the news that the officers were on their way to my house where my teenage child was home alone.’ Fortunately, she confirmed receipt of the letter via email, resulting in the marshals being called off.

Democratic U.S. Senator Adam Schiff of California criticized the marshals’ mobilization as a tactic to ‘intimidate and silence’ her. Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland echoed these sentiments, likening the action to something ‘ripped straight from the gangster playbook.’

The letter from Associate Deputy Attorney General Kendra Wharton outlined the department’s ‘significant confidentiality interests,’ specifically referencing Oyer’s role in presidential clemency recommendations. It warned her to comply with legal obligations should she appear before Congress.

Bromwich refuted the validity of the claim that Oyer’s testimony is restricted by executive privilege, asserting that she is entitled to whistleblower protections. ‘The assertion that Ms. Oyer’s testimony is barred by executive privilege is baseless,’ he stated.

In concluding her testimony, Oyer expressed resolve, asserting, ‘I will not be bullied into concealing the ongoing corruption and abuse of power at the Department of Justice.’