Historic Verdict Raises Political Tensions
Wilmington, Delaware (WNEWS) – Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, has been convicted on three federal felony gun charges, marking a historic and politically charged moment. The charges stem from a 2018 incident in which Biden, struggling with drug addiction, purchased a Colt revolver and falsely stated on federal forms that he was not using drugs at the time.
The trial, held in Wilmington, Delaware, revealed deeply personal aspects of Biden’s life, including his battles with addiction and the impact on his family. Prosecutors argued that Biden knowingly lied on the federal form to acquire the gun, presenting evidence from text messages and excerpts from his memoir, “Beautiful Things,” to illustrate his drug use during the period in question.
Biden’s defense team, led by attorney Abbe Lowell, contended that the prosecution failed to prove he was actively using drugs during the 11 days he possessed the firearm. They argued that Biden’s past admissions and the timing of his drug use were misinterpreted. The defense also attempted to discredit the laptop evidence, which had been a contentious issue throughout the investigation.
Biden showed little emotion as he learned his fate. He stared ahead with arms folded before turning around to hug some of the associates on his legal team.
Once court was adjourned, he kissed and embraced his wife before walking out of the room, escorted by Secret Service agents.
Biden said in a statement that he was “disappointed by the outcome”, but “grateful today for the love and support I experienced this last week from Melissa, my family, my friends, and my community”.
Several members of Biden’s family had supported him in court throughout the trial. However, only two were present for sentencing: his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, and James Biden, his uncle, and US President Joe Biden’s brother.
President Biden’s wife, Jill, arrived in the lobby of the court minutes after the verdict was read, and left with her step-son past throngs of photographers and journalists.
The judge did not set a date for sentencing, but noted that it usually would take place within 120 days of conviction.
Everyone must be accountable for their actions, even this defendant.” – Special counsel David Weiss
Abbe Lowell, the defence lawyer, said he would “vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available to Hunter”.
Speaking after the conviction, special counsel David Weiss said the case was not about addiction, but about “the illegal choices the defendant made” while in the throes of addiction – echoing the words of the prosecutors involved in the trial.
“No-one in this country is above the law,” Mr Weiss said. “Everyone must be accountable for their actions, even this defendant.”
“However, Hunter Biden should be no more accountable than any other citizen convicted of this same conduct,” he added.
The three gun charges all relate to Biden’s purchase of a Colt Cobra Special revolver at a Delaware gun store in October 2018, which he kept for about 11 days.
The gun was later discovered in his truck and discarded by his then-girlfriend Hallie Biden – the widow of his brother Beau – in a rubbish bin outside a shop.
Her decision, which she testified was “stupid”, set off a chaotic series of events that resulted in a criminal investigation and, ultimately, the guilty verdict.
Biden has been candid in the past about his “full-blown addiction” to crack cocaine, including in his memoir.
During the trial, prosecutors used portions of the book – in audiobook format, in Biden’s own voice – to highlight his painful descent into addiction and multiple failed attempts at recovery.
Jurors also heard from his ex-wife and a former girlfriend, Zoe Kestan, who described long crack binges at luxury hotels across the country.
The two false statement charges stemmed from allegations that he lied about his drug use on a federally mandated form when he bought the weapon.
Prosecutors said he falsely claimed he was “not an unlawful user of and addicted to any stimulant narcotic drug”.
The third count was related to possessing a firearm while using drugs.
Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison and substantial fines, although his status as a first-time non-violent offender may result in a lighter sentence.
The trial has undoubtedly intensified scrutiny on the Biden administration, with both supporters and critics closely watching the developments.
This conviction comes at a particularly sensitive time, given the recent conviction of former President Donald Trump on unrelated charges, adding to the already high political stakes as the 2024 election approaches. The case not only impacts the Biden family but also highlights broader issues of gun control and legal accountability within the political sphere.
