Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, was found guilty on Tuesday of lying about his drug use to illegally purchase a firearm. The verdict, delivered by a unanimous jury in Wilmington, Delaware, marks the first time a sitting president’s child has been convicted of a crime. This development comes amid a politically charged climate, with Democrats potentially using the case to counter former President Donald Trump’s assertions of a politically motivated justice system.
The 12-member jury convicted Hunter Biden on all three counts, following a high-profile trial. The conviction parallels Trump’s own legal battles, as he was found guilty on May 30 of 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records in connection with a sex scandal. Trump, who is the Republican contender against Joe Biden in the upcoming November 5 election, claims these prosecutions are part of a Democratic effort to thwart his political comeback.
In contrast, Congressional Democrats argue that Hunter Biden’s conviction underscores President Biden’s impartiality regarding the justice system. The President has publicly stated he would not pardon his son if convicted, emphasizing the independence of legal proceedings.
The case against Hunter Biden was led by US Department of Justice Special Counsel David Weiss, a Trump appointee. Beyond the gun charges, Weiss has also charged Hunter Biden with multiple tax offenses in California, alleging he failed to pay $1.4 million in taxes while spending extravagantly on drugs, escorts, and luxury items between 2016 and 2019. Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to these charges, with a trial set for September 5 in Los Angeles.
During the Delaware trial, testimonies from Hunter Biden’s ex-wife, former girlfriend, and sister-in-law painted a vivid picture of his severe addiction during the period when he bought the gun in October 2018. Prosecutors presented text messages, photos, and bank records as evidence that Hunter Biden was deeply addicted and knowingly lied about his drug use on the federal screening form required for the gun purchase.
Hunter Biden’s defense team argued that he was not using drugs at the time and did not intentionally deceive authorities, contending that he did not see himself as a drug user when filling out the form. His daughter, Naomi Biden, testified that her father appeared well during the time shortly before and after the gun purchase.
Sentencing guidelines suggest a prison term of 15 to 21 months for the gun-related charges. However, legal experts note that similar cases often result in shorter sentences or alternative penalties, provided the defendant complies with pretrial release conditions.
As this case continues to unfold, its political implications remain significant, particularly in the context of the ongoing narrative battles between Democrats and Republicans ahead of the 2024 election.