Hunter Biden was found guilty on Tuesday of federal gun charges, marking a historic first in the criminal prosecution of a sitting US president’s child.
The 54-year-old son of President Joe Biden was convicted on all three felony counts related to his 2018 purchase of a handgun while addicted to drugs. This verdict comes as his father seeks reelection and was set to give a speech in Washington about gun violence.
In a statement from the White House, President Biden expressed his love and support for his son, saying, “I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today.” He acknowledged the struggles of families dealing with addiction and emphasized his respect for the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.
The 12-member jury deliberated for about three hours over two days before reaching their decision. Hunter Biden did not testify during the week-long trial, although First Lady Jill Biden attended several sessions.
While Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison, as a first-time offender, jail time is unlikely. The verdict arrives just two weeks after Donald Trump, President Biden’s likely Republican opponent in the upcoming election, was convicted on business fraud charges.
Hunter Biden’s legal troubles have not only been a political distraction but also reopened emotional wounds for the Biden family. His brother Beau died from cancer in 2015, and his sister Naomi and mother Neilia died in a 1972 car crash.
The Yale-trained lawyer and lobbyist-turned-artist was charged with falsely stating that he was not using drugs illegally when he purchased a .38 caliber revolver in 2018 and with illegal possession of the firearm, which he owned for just 11 days.
Hunter Biden has been the target of intense scrutiny by hard-right Republicans and Trump allies, who have investigated him for alleged corruption and influence-peddling, although no charges have resulted from those inquiries. His business dealings in China and Ukraine have also prompted Republican lawmakers to attempt impeachment proceedings against his father, efforts which have not succeeded.
The White House has stated that there would be no presidential pardon for Hunter Biden.
