President Joe Biden has vowed to respect the jury’s decision after his son, Hunter Biden, was found guilty of gun crimes following a week-long trial that exposed challenging times for the Biden family.
The 12-person jury convicted Hunter Biden, 54, of lying about his drug use on a federal form while purchasing a handgun in 2018. This landmark verdict marks the first criminal prosecution of a sitting president’s child and has significant implications as President Biden campaigns for re-election in November.
Hunter Biden was found guilty on all three felony counts and faces possible jail time. His conviction comes on the heels of former President Donald Trump’s recent criminal conviction in New York, highlighting a politically charged atmosphere as both figures gear up for the upcoming election.
Although President Biden did not attend the trial, First Lady Jill Biden and other family members, including Hunter’s wife, sister, and uncle, were present to support him.
Following the verdict, President Biden traveled to Wilmington, Delaware, where he greeted and hugged his son on the tarmac.
“I am the president, but I am also a dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today,” President Biden said in a statement.
He added that he would “accept the outcome of this case and continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.”
President Biden had previously ruled out pardoning his son. The trial revealed embarrassing details, with prosecutors presenting evidence that Hunter Biden was using crack cocaine at the time of the gun purchase.
Testimonies from his ex-wife, Kathleen Buhle, and former girlfriend, Zoe Kestan, depicted a period of frequent drug use that strained his relationships. The court also reviewed text messages and photographs illustrating his addiction.
The verdict ignited immediate political reactions, particularly from Republicans who have long scrutinized Hunter Biden’s conduct.
James Comer, the Republican chair of the House oversight committee, called it a “step toward accountability” and urged further investigation into the Bidens’ activities.
The Trump campaign described the trial as a distraction from what they termed the “real crimes of the Biden Crime Family.” Former President Trump has frequently used this rhetoric to criticize the Biden family on the campaign trail.
In contrast, Democrats praised the justice system and criticized Republican responses.
Maryland Democrat Jamie Raskin highlighted the differing reactions between the parties, pointing out the Republicans’ attacks on the justice system following Trump’s conviction while Democrats accepted the prosecution of the president’s son.
Jurors emphasized that their decision was not influenced by politics. One juror told the BBC, “I was never thinking of President Joe Biden. Out of all the jurors, nobody mentioned anything about political motivations.”
President Biden’s aides have disclosed that the trial has been emotionally taxing for him.
Reports indicate that Mr. Biden has been closely monitoring the case, even seeking updates during a trip to France for D-Day anniversary events. The president reportedly feels that his political career has contributed to his son’s legal troubles.
Hunter Biden will be sentenced within the next 120 days, though the judge has yet to schedule a hearing. He faces up to 25 years in prison, though experts suggest a much lighter sentence is likely given his status as a first-time, non-violent offender.
Additionally, Hunter Biden’s legal challenges continue, with another trial set for September in California over charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in income taxes, which could result in up to 17 years in prison if convicted. These ongoing issues are expected to persist throughout his father’s election campaign.
Chioma Kalu
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