Hunter Biden arrives to federal court, Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
A Delaware jury has convicted Hunter Biden of three felony charges related to a 2018 revolver purchase. Prosecutors argued that President Joe Biden’s son lied on a mandatory gun-purchase form. At the time, he allegedly claimed he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs, per the Associated Press.
AP reports that Hunter “stared straight ahead and showed little emotion” as the jury read his “guilty” verdicts. Jurors spent two days deliberating on the charges for a combined time of three hours.
Jurors found Hunter Biden guilty of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application by saying he was not a drug user, and illegally having the gun for 11 days.
U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika has yet to set a sentencing date. However, Biden faces up to 25 years in prison for the charges. Because he’s a first-time offender, it’s possible he won’t get the maximum sentence or any jail time at all.
In a written statement following the verdict, Hunter Biden said he was disappointed by the outcome but grateful for the support of family and friends.
“Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time,” he said.
AP notes that the 54-year-old has been sober since 2019. His attorney said they will “continue to vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available.”
Hunter’s stepmother, First Lady Jill Biden, arrived minutes after the jury read the verdict, per AP. She attended “most of the trial.” She later left the courthouse hand-in-hand with Hunter while his wife Melissa held his other hand. No one in the trio spoke to the press.
Meanwhile, President Biden was not in attendance at his son’s trial. On Monday (June 10) evening, he and Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a star-studded Juneteenth concert at the White House. Hunter is the president’s only living son from his former marriage to the late Neilia.
After the jury’s decision was announced, President Joe Biden said he would accept the outcome of the case — similar to what he stated last week about his son’s trial outcome.
“As I said last week, I am the president, but I am also a dad, 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,” President Biden stated after the verdict. “As I also stated last week, I will accept the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal. Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that.”
Last week, President Biden also claimed that he would not pardon Hunter if he were to be convicted, per NBC News.
Ironically, Hunter’s verdict came shortly before the president was scheduled to give a speech on his administration’s efforts to limit gun violence at Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund’s conference.
Hunter Biden’s legal troubles aren’t over. He faces a trial in September in California on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes.
Congressional Republicans have signaled they will keep going after him in their stalled impeachment effort into the president. Prosecutors investigating his son have not accused or charged Joe with any wrongdoing.
Now Hunter Biden and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, the president’s chief political rival, have both been convicted by American jurors in an election year that has been as much about the courtroom as about campaign events and rallies.
Associated Press staff RANDALL CHASE, CLAUDIA LAUER, MICHAEL KUNZELMAN, COLLEEN LONG, and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER contributed to this report.
