Hunter Biden, son of sitting President Joe Biden, was convicted on Tuesday of all charges in a federal trial surrounding illegal activities linked to a firearm purchase.
The conviction marks a first in American history: a child of a sitting president found guilty of felony charges.
The jury, comprising six men and six women, deliberated for about three hours over two days before finding Biden, 54, guilty of three felony counts. These included making false statements about his drug use on a firearm purchase form, submitting a false statement into federal records, and unlawful possession of a firearm as a drug user or addict.
The trial, which captivated national attention, laid bare the troubling details of Hunter Biden’s struggles with addiction.
Testimonies from close associates and family members, including his ex-wife Kathleen Buhle and ex-girlfriend Zoe Kestan, painted a stark picture of his life during the period he acquired a Colt Cobra .38-caliber revolver in October 2018. At the time, Biden was heavily addicted to crack cocaine, a fact he later admitted in his 2021 memoir “Beautiful Things” and was used as critical evidence against him during the trial.
First Lady Jill Biden, who attended nearly every day of the trial, missed the verdict announcement by mere minutes, a poignant detail highlighting the rapid conclusion of the jury’s deliberations.
Hunter Biden showed little emotion as the guilty verdicts were read, though he acknowledged the outcome with a slight nod.
In the aftermath of the verdict, Biden’s legal team, led by attorney Abbe Lowell, announced plans to appeal the decision.
Lowell argued that his client was in a “deep state of denial” about his addiction during the firearm purchase, challenging the notion that Biden knowingly lied on the form.
Federal prosecutors, however, maintained a firm stance on the gravity of Biden’s actions, emphasizing that addiction does not excuse illegal behavior.
“Addiction is not a choice, but lying and buying a gun is a choice,” stated Derek Hines, one of the federal prosecutors, during the trial.
The implications of this conviction are significant, especially as President Biden’s re-election campaign is on the horizon.
Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison, although a lighter sentence is anticipated due to his lack of prior convictions. The sentencing is expected to occur about four months from now, placing it amidst the critical stages of the 2024 presidential race.
This conviction does not conclude Hunter Biden’s legal challenges; he is slated to face a trial in Los Angeles federal court this September on charges of evading $1.4 million in federal income taxes from 2016 through 2019.
The Biden family has expressed their continued support for Hunter, emphasizing his journey towards recovery.
President Joe Biden, affirming his stance on the judicial process, stated that he respects the outcome and will support his son as he considers an appeal.
This case stands as a profound moment in U.S. history, underscoring the principle that no one is above the law—not even the President’s son.