Hunter Biden has been found guilty on all counts in his federal firearms trial. The President’s son faced charges for illegally buying and possessing a gun while being addicted to drugs in 2018 and now faces up to 25 years in prison. The verdict follows intense scrutiny and public interest in the case, marking a historic moment as the first time a child of a sitting president has been convicted of such charges.
First Lady Jill Biden, who has attended most of the trial, was notably absent from the courtroom as the verdict was read. She was seen quickly entering the courthouse shortly after the announcement. President Biden’s brother, James, reportedly appeared angry and upset upon hearing the verdict.
Hunter Biden’s conviction on three felony counts means he could see significant prison time. The Department of Justice notes that while the maximum sentence is 25 years, first-time offenders often receive shorter sentences. President Biden has previously stated he will not pardon his son if found guilty. The jury reached their decision after three hours of deliberation, but no sentencing date has been set. The trial came after a plea deal fell apart last year, leading Hunter to opt for a trial.
Justice Department special counsel David Weiss emphasized that the case was about Hunter Biden’s illegal actions rather than his addiction. Weiss stated, “It was these choices and the combination of guns and drugs that made his conduct dangerous. No one is above the law, and Hunter Biden should be no more accountable than any other citizen for this conduct.”
A juror, speaking anonymously to FOX News, described the case as “heart-wrenching” but ultimately found the defense’s arguments unconvincing, particularly regarding a text message where Hunter allegedly asked a convicted drug dealer to meet a day before purchasing the gun.
President Biden issued a statement accepting the trial’s outcome, reaffirming his respect for the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal. The President has maintained that he will not issue a pardon for his son. Hours after the conviction, Biden is set to deliver remarks on gun reform, highlighting legislation passed earlier in his term and continuing his advocacy for stricter gun control laws.
Prominent defense attorney Jeff Jacobovitz suggested that the guilty verdict could be beneficial for Hunter Biden’s sobriety, providing a structured environment and motivation to stay clean. Hunter Biden has admitted to years of hard drug use but testified that he has been sober since June 1, 2019.
The Trump campaign responded to the verdict by calling it a distraction from what they allege are “real crimes” committed by the Biden family. They accused the family of making millions from foreign dealings and vowed to end President Biden’s “reign” on election day.
Kentucky Republican James Comer, leading the impeachment inquiry into President Biden, called the guilty verdict a “step toward accountability” and urged the Department of Justice to investigate the Bidens’ alleged influence peddling schemes.
Hunter Biden’s trial and subsequent conviction have stirred significant political and public reactions, underscoring the complexities and high stakes involved in the case. As the legal process continues, the focus will be on the implications for the Biden family and the broader political landscape.
