Article Summary –
Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, is on trial for three felonies related to a 2018 firearm purchase. He is accused of lying on the application used to screen firearms applicants by stating he was not a drug user, and illegally possessing the gun for 11 days. Hunter Biden, who was battling a crack addiction at the time, pleads not guilty, arguing he’s being unfairly targeted by the Justice Department.
Hunter Biden Federal Gun Case Begins
In Wilmington, Delaware, the federal gun case involving President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, started on Monday with jury selection. This follows the failure of an agreement that would have avoided trial. First lady Jill Biden was present in the courtroom in a sign of support for her son.
President Biden expressed boundless love, confidence, and respect for his son. Hunter Biden, who spent the weekend with his parents, is facing three felony charges in Delaware related to a 2018 firearm purchase during a reported period of drug addiction. He is accused of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on a firearm application, and illegally possessing the gun for 11 days.
Hunter Biden pleads not guilty and contends that he’s being unjustly targeted by the Justice Department. The trial proceeds shortly after Donald Trump, the presumed 2024 Republican presidential nominee, was convicted of 34 felonies in New York City. These two unrelated cases highlight the criminal courts’ role in the upcoming 2024 campaign.
Jury Selection and Trial Details
In Delaware, potential jurors were questioned by Judge Maryellen Noreika to evaluate their impartiality. Questions focused on their knowledge of the case, opinions on gun ownership, experiences with substance abuse or addiction, and potential political influence on the charges. Only a single potential juror, who answered “no” to all questions, moved to the next phase.
Aside from this, Hunter Biden faces another trial in California in September for allegations of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes. Both cases were supposed to be resolved through a negotiations with prosecutors last July, but disagreements prevented a resolution. As a result, the deal broke down, leading to the appointment of a special counsel and Hunter Biden’s indictment.
While this trial doesn’t concern Hunter Biden’s foreign business affairs, which Republicans have criticized, it will shed light on some of Hunter Biden’s least public moments. Supporters of President Biden worry about the trial’s potential impact on him, given his concern for his son’s well-being. To show support, Hunter Biden spent the weekend with his father before the case began.
Impact of the Trial
Hunter Biden was the first to arrive at the Delaware courthouse on Monday, followed by the First Lady and other family members. Supporters worry the trial could distract the president, who’s facing low poll numbers and preparing for a future presidential debate.
The case against Hunter Biden originates from a time when he admitted to being addicted to drugs. He bought and owned a gun for 11 days in October 2018 and denied using drugs on the gun purchase form. Conviction could lead to a maximum of 25 years in prison, but it’s uncertain if he would serve any time.
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