There could be no better poster boy than Mel Gibson for the wisdom of "red flag" laws, which allow the state to remove guns from people in a mental health crisis or who are an active threat to the community.

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.

Elizabeth G. Oyer said she was urged to advocate for Gibson because of his "personal relationship with President Trump."