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Hunter Biden has been found guilty on all three charges in his federal gun trial, marking the first criminal conviction of a sitting US president’s son. Prosecutors alleged Biden, 54, lied about his drug use on a federal form when purchasing a handgun in 2018.
Biden had pleaded not guilty, claiming he was in recovery from drug addiction at the time and therefore did not lie on the application form. A panel of 12 Delaware jurors deliberated for about three hours before reaching the verdict.
Biden showed little emotion as the verdict was read, staring ahead with his arms folded before turning to hug some of his legal team. He was convicted of making a false statement for the acquisition of a firearm, making a false statement to be recorded in records, and illegal possession of a firearm.
Once court was adjourned, he embraced his wife before walking out, escorted by Secret Service agents. Biden said in a statement that he was “disappointed by the outcome” but “grateful for the love and support I received this last week from Melissa, my family, my friends, and my community.”
Although several family members had been present during the trial, only his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, and his uncle, James Biden, were in court on the day of the verdict. Jill Biden, the President’s wife, arrived in the courthouse lobby shortly after the verdict was announced, according to CBS News.
The judge has yet to set a date for sentencing, which typically occurs within 120 days of a conviction. Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, stated they would “vigorously pursue all legal challenges available to Hunter.” Experts suggest that while Biden could face prison time, it is highly unlikely he will receive the maximum sentence of 25 years.
The charges relate to Biden’s purchase of a Colt Cobra Special revolver at a Delaware gun store in October 2018, which he kept for about 11 days before discarding it in a rubbish bin, prompting the investigation. Biden has been open about his “full-blown addiction” to crack cocaine, including in his memoir.
The false statement charges arise from claims that he lied about his drug use on a federally mandated form when he bought the weapon, falsely asserting he was “not an unlawful user of and addicted to any stimulant narcotic drug.” The third charge relates to possessing a firearm while using drugs.
Biden’s conviction comes as his father, President Joe Biden, is in a tight re-election race against Donald Trump. President Biden expressed pride in his son for his efforts to overcome his addictions, stating, “So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the pride in seeing someone you love come out the other side strong and resilient.”
“I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal,” he added.
The conviction was welcomed by some Republicans, with House Oversight Chairman James Comer stating, “Today’s verdict is a step toward accountability,” in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
BBC
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