President Biden Responds to Son Hunter Biden's Conviction on Gun Charges
Joe Biden Acknowledges Son Hunter's Gun Crime Conviction
US President Joe Biden has expressed his respect for the jury's decision to find his son, Hunter Biden, guilty of gun crimes after a week-long trial that highlighted a tumultuous period for the family.
Hunter Biden Found Guilty
The 12-person jury found Hunter Biden, 54, guilty of lying about his drug use on a form while purchasing a handgun in 2018. This marks the first criminal prosecution of a sitting president’s child. Hunter Biden now faces potential jail time following the verdict.
Trial Details and Family Support
During the trial in Delaware, which President Biden did not attend, many family members, including First Lady Jill Biden, were present regularly to support Hunter. His wife, sister, and uncle also attended at various times. After the verdict, President Biden flew to Wilmington, Delaware, where he embraced his son on the tarmac.
President Biden's Statement
“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,” President Biden said in a statement. He added that he would "accept the outcome of this case and… continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.” President Biden also ruled out pardoning his son, despite the trial revealing embarrassing details about Hunter's past drug use.
Testimonies and Evidence
Jurors heard from Hunter Biden’s ex-wife, Kathleen Buhle, and a former girlfriend, Zoe Kestan, who described frequent drug binges that strained his relationships. The court was shown text messages detailing his addiction and photographs, some depicting a half-naked Hunter Biden.
Political Reactions
The verdict elicited immediate political reactions. Republicans in Congress, who have investigated Hunter Biden’s behavior for years, viewed the conviction as a “step toward accountability.” James Comer, the Republican chair of the House oversight committee, called for further investigation into what he described as the "Bidens’ corrupt influence peddling schemes.” Meanwhile, the Trump campaign dismissed the trial as a distraction from what it termed the “Biden Crime Family.”
Democratic Response
Democrats, on the other hand, praised the US justice system and accused Republicans of hypocrisy. Maryland Democrat Jamie Raskin highlighted the contrast in reactions, pointing out that while Republicans attacked the justice system following Donald Trump’s conviction, Democrats accepted Hunter Biden’s prosecution without complaint.
Jurors' Perspective
Several jurors emphasized that politics did not influence their decision. One juror told the BBC, "I was never thinking of President Joe Biden. Out of all the jurors, nobody mentioned anything about political motivations."
Impact on President Biden
Aides to President Biden revealed that the trial and verdict have taken an emotional toll on him. According to Politico, Mr. Biden had been “consumed with the trial for weeks” and sought updates from family members while on a trip to France for D-Day anniversary events. The president reportedly feels guilty about the scrutiny on his son and believes his political career has contributed to Hunter's legal issues.
Future Legal Challenges
Hunter Biden will be sentenced within the next 120 days, but a date has not been set. He faces up to 25 years in prison, though legal experts suggest a lighter sentence is likely due to his status as a first-time, non-violent offender. Additionally, Hunter Biden will face trial in California in September on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in income taxes, which could result in up to 17 years in prison if convicted.
