Hunter Biden departs from federal court on Tuesday, in Wilmington, Delaware. Matt Slocum/APHunter Biden Convicted on Federal Gun Charges
Hunter Biden has been convicted on all three federal felony gun charges he faced. A federal jury found him guilty of violating laws designed to prevent drug addicts from owning firearms. The verdict is significant, marking the first time a president’s immediate family member has been convicted of a crime during their father’s term in office, although Hunter Biden’s offenses occurred before Joe Biden became president.
The jury deliberated for just under three hours before returning guilty verdicts on all charges. These stemmed from Hunter Biden’s purchase of a revolver in October 2018 at a Delaware gun shop.
Details of the Charges
The first two counts against Hunter Biden involved lying about his drug use on a federal background check form. The third count was for possessing a gun while addicted to, or using, illegal drugs. Sentencing is typically set for 120 days after a verdict, and Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000. However, as a first-time offender, his actual sentence will likely be less severe.
Following the verdict, Hunter Biden expressed his gratitude for his family’s support despite his disappointment with the outcome. His attorney, Abbe Lowell, stated that they would vigorously pursue all available legal challenges.
President Joe Biden emphasized his role as a father supporting his son. In a statement, he reiterated his and his wife Jill’s pride in Hunter, highlighting the challenges their family has faced together.
Special Counsel’s Statement
Special Counsel David Weiss emphasized that the case was about the illegal choices Hunter Biden made while using drugs, not just his addiction. Weiss stated that no one is above the law, including the president’s son. He thanked the jury, prosecutors, and the US attorney general for their roles in the case.
Inside the deliberation room, jurors were initially split but reached a unanimous verdict after discussing each crime’s elements. Some jurors felt that Hunter Biden did not belong in jail, focusing on the evidence rather than his lifestyle. One juror noted that politics did not influence their decision and criticized the decision to call Hunter’s daughter, Naomi Biden, to testify.
President Biden’s Emotional Moment
President Joe Biden hugged his son upon arriving at the Delaware Air National Guard base in New Castle, Delaware, shortly after the verdict. Video footage showed Hunter Biden, his son Beau, and his wife Melissa walking across the tarmac to greet the president.
This heartfelt moment underscored the personal challenges the Biden family faces amid the legal proceedings.
Reactions from Republican Senators
Republican senators uniformly stated that the guilty verdict demonstrated the justice system’s effectiveness. They dismissed claims that the conviction was politically motivated, contrasting Hunter Biden’s case with that of former President Donald Trump.
Senator John Thune noted the different dynamics in the cases, emphasizing that Hunter Biden is not running for political office. Senator Rick Scott highlighted that the laws Hunter Biden violated have long been enforced, unlike the charges against Trump, which he described as unprecedented and politically motivated.
Senator Josh Hawley criticized the Department of Justice for initially seeking a plea bargain with Hunter Biden, suggesting it was a “sweetheart deal.” He argued that the case’s outcome exposed the DOJ’s intent to avoid prosecution, although he noted that Hunter Biden’s guilt was not something to celebrate.
The conviction of Hunter Biden on federal gun charges marks a historic moment in American politics and law, reflecting ongoing debates about justice, political influence, and personal accountability.
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