A federal jury has convicted Hunter Biden on all three federal felony gun charges he faced, concluding that he violated laws meant to prevent drug addicts from owning firearms.

The conviction marks the first time a president’s immediate family member has been found guilty of a crime during their father’s term in office, though his crimes predate Joe Biden’s tenure as president.

The jury, which deliberated for just under three hours, returned guilty verdicts on all three charges, which stemmed from a revolver Hunter Biden bought in October 2018 at a Delaware gun shop.

In a statement, Hunter Biden said he was "disappointed" by the guilty verdict but "grateful" for his family's love. President Biden expressed support for his son in a statement and said he would "respect the judicial process."

Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000 at sentencing, though he likely will receive far less than the maximum as a first-time offender. The judge said sentencing is usually set for 120 days following a verdict, which means it is likely to happen before Election Day.

Here's what we know:

The charges: The first two counts were for lying about his drug use on a federal background check form, and the third count was for possessing a gun while addicted to, or using, illegal drugs. The judge said sentencing is usually set for 120 days following a verdict. Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000 at sentencing, though he likely will receive far less as a first-time offender. 

Hunter Biden: Following the verdict, Hunter Biden said he is “more grateful for the love and support” of his family than he is “disappointed by the outcome.” His attorney, Abbe Lowell, said they would continue to “vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available to Hunter.”

Joe Biden: In a statement, the president reiterated his role as a father seeking to support his son after the conviction. "As I said last week, 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 said.

David Weiss: The special counsel said the case was “not just about addiction” but about the “illegal choices” Hunter Biden made while he was using drugs. He reiterated that no one is above the law, even the president's son. Weiss thanked the jury, prosecutors and the US attorney general.

Inside the deliberation room: When deliberations first began Monday afternoon, the jury was split, according to one juror who spoke to CNN. After discussing the elements of each crime, they were ready to return a unanimous verdict Tuesday, the juror said. Three jurors who spoke to CNN said they believed they had no choice but to find Hunter Biden guilty, but one said the case “seemed like a waste of taxpayer dollars."

What else jurors said: One juror told CNN, "I really don’t think that Hunter belongs in jail." The juror said they were mainly focused on evidence, not Hunter Biden's lifestyle, adding that politics did not come up. The man said the jurors felt bad that Naomi Biden, Hunter’s daughter, was called to testify. He said, in his opinion, it was a mistake to put her on the stand.

Source: CNN

BDST: 0824 HRS, JUN 12, 2024
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