Article Summary –
Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, was convicted by a Delaware jury on federal gun charges, making him the first child of a US president to be tried and convicted of a crime. The trial disclosed the Biden family’s personal struggles, including drug addiction, and comes ahead of the 2024 US election, in which Hunter’s father seeks re-election. Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison and a $750,000 fine, and is also facing a second federal criminal trial on tax charges in California in September.
Hunter Biden Convicted on Federal Gun Charges
Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, was convicted on federal gun charges by a Delaware jury, marking the first time a president’s child has been tried and convicted. The case has contributed to distractions for Joe Biden’s re-election campaign.
Details of the Case
Hunter Biden’s week-long trial shed light on the Biden family’s struggles following the death of Beau Biden in 2015. Notably, the verdict was delivered less than five months before the US election and shortly after Donald Trump, Biden’s rival, was convicted in a New York case. Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison and a $750,000 fine, sentencing date is yet to be determined.
Biden’s Statement
In a statement following the verdict, President Biden said, “I am the president, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are proud of the man he is today”. He announced that he would respect and accept the verdict, and support Hunter in considering an appeal.
The Trial and Verdict
The trial featured testimony about Hunter’s relationship with his widowed sister-in-law, Hallie, after Beau’s death. The accusations centered around whether Hunter lied about his drug use while buying a gun from a Wilmington dealer in 2018. The jury convicted Hunter on all three counts.
Political Impact
This case has been a political issue for the White House, revealing family episodes as the president tries to re-energize his election campaign. Hunter also faces a second federal criminal trial on tax charges in September. Republicans are using the case to distract from Trump’s legal issues, who was recently convicted for making hush money payments to a former porn actor.
Support for Hunter
Joe Biden has issued public statements in support of Hunter, and family and friends have rallied around him. However, he has said he would not pardon his son. The trial featured emotional testimony from Hallie Biden about their relationship and efforts to overcome drug addiction.
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