Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden’s son, was found guilty of illegally purchasing a firearm while concealing his drug use. Convicted of three gun-related charges, Hunter Biden’s case marks the first criminal prosecution of a sitting US president’s child. Prosecutors argued he lied on a form in October 2018 when buying a Colt Cobra revolver, denying his drug addiction despite using crack cocaine.
Biden pled not guilty to charges of lying about his addiction on a government form and illegally possessing the gun for 11 days. First Lady Jill Biden attended the trial, and President Biden accepted the outcome, noting his son may appeal. The trial featured testimonies from Hunter Biden’s ex-wife and sister-in-law, detailing his addiction struggles, and evidence from text messages, photos, and bank records.
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Hunter Biden’s defense claimed he was not using drugs when he bought the gun and did not intend to deceive, with testimony from his daughter supporting this view. He did not testify at the trial in Wilmington, Delaware. Sentencing guidelines suggest 15 to 21 months, but similar cases often result in shorter sentences or no jail time if pre-trial release terms are met. The judge set sentencing within 120 days, potentially a month before the November 5 presidential election.
Following the verdict, Biden expressed gratitude to his defense team and showed emotional appreciation for his family. His lawyers, disappointed by the outcome, plan to pursue all legal challenges. Hunter Biden also faces a September trial for alleged tax violations, having pled not guilty to charges of not paying $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019.
President Biden emphasized his support for his son, while Donald Trump criticized the trial as a distraction. No evidence has been found linking President Biden or his family to financial misconduct involving China, Russia, or Ukraine, nor has the House impeachment inquiry uncovered any ties to Hunter Biden’s business dealings.
