President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter was convicted yesterday of all three felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018 when, prosecutors argued, the president’s son lied on a mandatory gun-purchase form by saying he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs.
Hunter Biden stared straight ahead and showed little emotion as the verdict was read after jury deliberations that lasted only three hours over two days. He hugged his attorneys, smiled wanly, and kissed his wife, Melissa, before leaving the courtroom with her.
President Joe Biden issued a statement shortly after the verdict, saying he would accept the outcome of the case and “continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.”
Now Hunter Biden and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, the president’s chief political rival, have both been convicted by American jurors in an election year that has been as much about the courtroom as about campaign events and rallies.
Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika, though first-time offenders do not get anywhere near the maximum, and it’s unclear whether she would give him time behind bars. The judge did not set a sentencing date.
“No one in this country is above the law,” special counsel David Weiss, the prosecutor who has led the long-running federal investigation into the president’s son, told reporters after the verdict. “Everyone must be accountable for their actions.”
Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, suggested they would appeal, saying they will “continue to vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available.” In a written statement, Hunter Biden said he was disappointed by the outcome but grateful for the support of family and friends.
The jury’s decision was read swiftly after an announcement that jurors had reached a verdict. First lady Jill Biden and some other family members who sat through much of the trial did not make it into the courtroom in time to hear the jury’s decision. After the verdict, Hunter Biden left the courthouse holding hands with the first lady and his wife. They did not speak to reporters, got into waiting SUVs, and drove off.
