Photo: Alamy
Hunter Biden’s gun crime trial officially began on Monday with jury selection after multiple failed attempts to have the three federal felonies dismissed. The New York Post reported that the first son arrived at a federal courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware, in the morning, followed by First Lady Jill Biden and his half-sister Ashley Biden.
Breitbart News pointed out that Hunter Biden is the first child of a sitting president to be prosecuted in the history of the United States. The charges stem from his 2018 purchase of a .38-caliber Colt Cobra revolver while he was struggling with drug addiction.
The U.S. Attorney for Delaware David Weiss initially charged Hunter Biden with misdemeanors related to the gun purchase and tax violations. However, a plea deal and diversion agreement fell apart in court last July after U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika called attention to a provision that would have given him immunity from future prosecution.
Days later, Attorney General Merrick Garland named Weiss as special counsel. Weiss then dropped the original charges and indicted Hunter Biden on three federal firearm felonies in September.
In the days ahead, Weiss will only have to show that Hunter Biden was addicted to drugs during the period in which he possessed the firearm. Judge Noreika made clear that it would not be necessary to prove that he was under the influence of drugs at the time of purchase.
The jury will decide if Hunter Biden is guilty of making a false statement in the purchase of a firearm, making a false statement on record-keeping paperwork for the firearm dealer, and possessing a firearm while addicted to illegal drugs.
The elder Biden released a statement in support of his son on Monday morning, writing, “Jill and I love our son and we are so proud of the man he is today.”
President Trump’s campaign blasted his likely general election opponent, with campaign spokesman Steven Cheung stating, “A deeply troubled degenerate who sold out his country and disgraced his family, Crooked Joe Biden is now a failed President running a losing campaign.” He also remarked on Hunter Biden, stating, “As for Hunter, we wish him well in his recovery and legal affairs.”
If found guilty, Hunter Biden could be sentenced to 25 years in prison. He will also stand trial later this year for nine federal tax charges, including three felonies, which could result in a 17-year prison sentence.
