Hunter Biden Convicted on All Three Felony Charges in Federal Gun Trial
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — On Tuesday, Hunter Biden was convicted of all three felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018. Prosecutors argued that President Joe Biden’s son lied on a mandatory gun-purchase form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs.
Hunter Biden, 54, remained stoic as the verdict was read following three hours of jury deliberations over two days in Wilmington, Delaware. Afterward, he hugged his attorneys, smiled faintly, and kissed his wife, Melissa, before leaving the courtroom with her.
In a statement issued shortly after the verdict, President Joe Biden said he would accept the outcome and "continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal."
The conviction marks a historic moment as it is the first time a child of a sitting president has been convicted in federal court. Hunter Biden now faces up to 25 years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika. However, as a first-time offender, he is unlikely to receive the maximum sentence, and there is no certainty he will be sent to prison. The judge has not set a sentencing date.
Defense attorney Abbe Lowell stated they would "continue to vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available." In a written statement, Hunter Biden expressed disappointment with the outcome but gratitude for the support of his family and friends.
The verdict was swiftly read, and First Lady Jill Biden, who attended nearly every day of the trial, did not make it to the courtroom in time to hear it. Hunter Biden left the courthouse holding hands with the First Lady and his wife before departing in waiting SUVs.
President Biden avoided the federal courtroom where his son was tried and commented little on the case to avoid any appearance of interference. Allies of the President have expressed concern about the trial's impact on the 81-year-old, who has been deeply concerned with his son's health and sobriety.
Hunter Biden's conviction comes weeks after Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 felony charges related to a hush money payment during the 2016 campaign. Although the cases are distinct, both have claimed they were victimized by political forces.
In his statement, President Biden expressed pride in his son, who claims to have been sober since 2019, and pledged ongoing support. Meanwhile, Trump's campaign labeled the verdict a "distraction from the real crimes of the Biden Crime Family," echoing unproven allegations against Joe Biden.
The trial, held in Delaware, brought attention to a challenging period in Hunter Biden's life following his brother Beau's death in 2015. The proceedings included personal testimony and incriminating evidence such as text messages and photos depicting Hunter with drug paraphernalia.
Prosecutor Leo Wise acknowledged the "ugly" evidence but insisted it was necessary to demonstrate Hunter's addiction at the time of the gun purchase. Before the jury deliberated, Wise emphasized that the presence of the President’s family members in the courtroom was not evidence.
Special Counsel Davis Weiss emphasized accountability in his statement, asserting that "no one in this country is above the law."
Hunter Biden's attorneys argued he did not consider himself an "addict" when he bought the gun and pointed to his efforts to turn his life around, including completing a rehabilitation program.
Hunter Biden's legal troubles are not over. He faces a September trial in California on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes, and congressional Republicans continue to target him in their impeachment efforts against the President. Joe Biden has not been accused of any wrongdoing by prosecutors investigating his son.
Last year, a plea deal was supposed to prevent a trial, with Hunter Biden pleading guilty to misdemeanor tax offenses and avoiding prosecution in the gun case if he stayed out of trouble for two years. However, the deal collapsed after Judge Noreika questioned its terms, leading to unresolved negotiations.
Hunter Biden claims the charges were brought due to Republican pressure on the Justice Department.
Richer and Long reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Mike Catalini and Aamer Madhani in Wilmington contributed to this report.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Post a Comment