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Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, was found guilty by a Delaware jury on federal gun charges, becoming the first child of a US president to be convicted of a crime. The verdict followed a week-long trial involving three felony counts, revealing deep dysfunction within the Biden family following the death of Biden’s older son, Beau, in 2015. Hunter Biden may face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000, although sentencing has not been decided yet.
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Hunter Biden Convicted on Federal Gun Charges
Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, made history on Tuesday with his conviction on federal gun charges by a Delaware jury. This event marked the first instance of a US president’s child being found guilty in a criminal trial.
The trial revealed details of the Biden family’s struggles following the death of Beau, the president’s oldest son, in 2015. The US election is just five months away, and the verdict comes two weeks after Donald Trump’s conviction in a New York criminal case.
President Biden’s Statement
After the verdict, Hunter Biden expressed gratitude for the support he received from his family and community. Potential consequences include prison time of up to 25 years and a $750,000 fine. A sentencing date has not been set. President Joe Biden expressed his unwavering love and pride for his son in a public statement.
The Trial
The trial featured testimonies highlighting Hunter’s relationship with his widowed sister-in-law, Hallie, and their struggles with crack cocaine. The defense did not dispute Hunter’s history of substance abuse but argued that there was no evidence Hunter was using drugs at the time of the gun purchase or knowingly lied on the background check. Hunter Biden’s lawyer described the case as “conjecture and suspicion” and plans to challenge the verdict.
Political Impact
The case has shone a light on the Biden family’s private issues and has been used by Republicans to divert attention from Trump’s legal issues. With Hunter facing another trial on tax charges in California in September, this issue could continue to affect the president’s election campaign.
One of the most gripping testimonies was given by Hallie Biden, who recounted her tumultuous romantic relationship with Hunter and their struggles with sobriety. She found the gun in Hunter’s pick-up truck and, in a panic, threw it in a grocery store trash bin. This action, although reckless, might have been done out of love, according to Hunter’s lawyer.
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