In a landmark case, Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, was convicted on Tuesday of three federal felony charges related to a gun purchase in 2018. The charges stem from Hunter Biden lying on a federal background check form about his drug use when buying a revolver from a Delaware gun shop. This is the first time a sitting president’s immediate family member has been found guilty of a crime during their father’s term in office.
The jury deliberated for just under three hours before delivering guilty verdicts on all counts. The first two counts were for making false statements about his drug use, and the third was for possessing a firearm while being a drug addict. Hunter Biden faces a maximum of 25 years in prison and fines up to $750,000, although as a first-time offender, he is expected to receive a significantly lighter sentence. Sentencing is likely to occur before Election Day, following the standard 120-day period after a verdict.
Special counsel David Weiss, who oversaw the case, emphasized the legal principles at stake, stating, “This conviction is about the illegal choices the defendant made while in the throes of addiction. No one in this country is above the law.”
President Joe Biden expressed his acceptance of the verdict and his ongoing support for his son. In a statement, he said, “As I said last week, I am the president, but I am also a dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery. We will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.”
The trial highlighted Hunter Biden’s struggles with addiction, featuring testimonies from former partners and family members. Hunter Biden acknowledged his disappointment with the verdict but expressed gratitude for the support from his family and community. “Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time,” he said.
The conviction has significant political implications as it coincides with President Biden’s reelection campaign and follows former President Donald Trump’s conviction last month on charges related to a hush money payment during his 2016 campaign. Despite the personal and political strain, the Biden family remained supportive. First lady Jill Biden attended the trial, showing solidarity with her stepson.
The defense argued that Hunter Biden did not view himself as a drug user or addict when he purchased the gun, a point the jury ultimately rejected. Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, indicated plans to challenge the conviction through all available legal avenues.
The case has intensified scrutiny on the Biden family amid a highly charged political environment. Trump’s campaign initially extended well wishes to Hunter Biden before retracting the sentiment and attacking the Biden family with unfounded allegations of corruption.
As the legal and political ramifications of Hunter Biden’s conviction continue to unfold, the Biden family remains united. President Biden, addressing the case at a gun safety conference, emphasized his commitment to tackling gun violence without mentioning his son’s trial. Later, the president was seen embracing Hunter Biden upon returning to Delaware, underscoring their familial bond amidst the turmoil.
