Article Summary –
Hunter Biden will not testify in his own defense at his gun trial, where he is facing three felony charges related to his purchase of a revolver in 2018. Among the witnesses called by the defense were Hunter Biden’s daughter, Naomi Biden, who testified that she was not aware of her father’s drug use at the time of the gun purchase. The prosecution’s case hinges on whether Hunter Biden knowingly lied about using drugs when purchasing the gun, with witnesses including his ex-wife, ex-girlfriend, and the widow of his brother Beau Biden, with whom he was romantically involved.
Hunter Biden Not Testifying in Own Defense, Lawyers Say
In the ongoing gun trial, Hunter Biden will not provide personal testimony, according to his legal team. Both the defense and prosecution concluded their cases on Monday.
Defense Rests After FBI Agent Testimony
Following a testimony by FBI special agent Erika Jensen, who examined text messages that were introduced last week, the defense rested. The defense team emphasized that the location data is not definitive and highlighted periods where no data was available. They also challenged other perceived inconsistencies in the narrative of Hunter Biden’s actions at the time of the event.
Witnesses Called by Hunter Biden’s Attorneys
Several witnesses, including his daughter Naomi Biden, were called by Hunter Biden’s attorneys on Friday. The decision on whether Hunter Biden would testify in his own defense was not made until after the weekend.
Jury Instructions Given and Closing Arguments Prepared
On Monday, the judge provided the jury with instructions, preparing for the final arguments set to begin in the afternoon. The Biden family demonstrated their continued support for Hunter Biden with the first lady Jill Biden, her daughter Ashley Biden, the first lady’s sister, President Biden’s siblings Valerie and Jimmy Biden, and Hunter Biden’s wife Melissa Cohen Biden all present in court. President Biden was absent from the trial but was in Wilmington on the same day.
Hunter Biden’s Charges
Hunter Biden stands accused of three felony charges in relation to his acquisition of a revolver in October 2018. Two of these charges center around alleged false statements on a federal gun form concerning his drug use, while the other charge is for allegedly possessing the gun unlawfully. Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Key Testimonies in the Prosecution’s Case
The prosecution’s case included testimonies from Hunter Biden’s ex-wife Kathleen Buhle, his ex-girlfriend Zoe Kestan, Hallie Biden, his brother Beau Biden’s widow, and the individual who allegedly sold Hunter Biden the gun, Gordon Cleveland. Hallie Biden, considered the prosecution’s star witness, testified she discarded the weapon after finding it out of fear for her children’s safety.
Prosecution’s Case Centers on Alleged Deception
The crux of the prosecution’s case is whether Hunter Biden knowingly lied about his drug use. Prosecutor Derek Hines said, “addiction may not be a choice, but lying and buying a gun is a choice.” Cleveland testified that Hunter Biden did not appear confused when buying the firearm in October 2018. However, Naomi Biden testified that her father “seemed great” during this time and she didn’t see any evidence of drug use.
Defense Seeks to Raise Questions About Disclosure Form
Hunter Biden’s lawyer emphasized that addicts can often be in “denial” about their drug use and argued that Hunter Biden did not consider himself an addict at the time he purchased the gun. Naomi Biden also acknowledged her father’s struggle with addiction but said she had never seen him use illegal drugs.
Presence of the Biden Family in Court
While President Biden was absent from the trial, his wife Jill Biden and other family members were in attendance. First lady Jill Biden was absent on the day she accompanied President Biden to France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Hunter Biden’s half-sister, Ashley Biden, also attended the trial.
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