TL/DR –
Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, has been convicted by a Delaware jury on federal gun charges, marking the first time a president’s child has been found guilty of a crime. He could face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000, though the court has not yet set a sentencing date. The case has been a distraction for Joe Biden’s re-election campaign and has revealed turmoil within the Biden family following the death of Biden’s older son, Beau, in 2015.
Hunter Biden Convicted on Federal Gun Charges
Hunter Biden was found guilty on federal gun charges on Tuesday in Delaware, marking a first for a US president’s child. This case has disrupted the re-election campaign of his father, Joe Biden. Hunter was convicted on three felonies following a week-long trial that exposed the Biden family’s struggles following the 2015 death of Beau Biden.
The verdict arrives under five months prior to the US election, and less than two weeks after Donald Trump, Joe Biden’s rival, was convicted in a New York criminal case. The jury delivered the verdict on Tuesday morning, after starting deliberations Monday afternoon.
Upon hearing the verdict, Hunter Biden expressed gratitude for the support from his family and community. He could face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000, with the court yet to set a sentencing date.
President Joe Biden, after the verdict, expressed pride in his son and acceptance of the court’s decision, stating that he will respect the judicial process as Hunter contemplates an appeal.
The trial revealed Hunter’s relationship with his widowed sister-in-law and their shared struggle with crack cocaine. The crux of the case was whether Hunter had been truthful about his drug use when purchasing a firearm in 2018. Prosecutors alleged he lied and presented evidence including text messages to dealers and images of him with drugs.
Derek Hines, a prosecutor, argued that Hunter’s crack addiction was evident in the trial. Hunter’s lawyer, however, argued that the government lacked evidence that he was using drugs at the time of the gun purchase or that he knowingly lied on the background check.
Special Counsel David Weiss underscored that the outcome shows no one is above the law. Abbe Lowell, Biden’s attorney, expressed disappointment at the verdict.
The trial has intensified political pressure on the White House, as the President attempts to boost a sluggish election campaign. Republicans have utilized the case as a diversion from Trump’s legal woes.
The trial ended with Hunter facing a second federal criminal trial on tax charges in California in September. While Joe Biden has provided public support for his son, he has made it clear that he will not pardon him.
One of the most poignant moments in the trial came during Hallie Biden’s testimony about her tumultuous relationship with Hunter, and their attempts at sobriety. Lowell suggested that if not for a reckless act by Hallie, Hunter may never have been charged.
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