On June 11, President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, was found guilty by a federal jury of lying about his drug use to illegally purchase a firearm. The conviction marks a historic moment, making Hunter Biden the first child of a sitting U.S. president to be convicted of a crime, according to Reuters.
The jury in Wilmington, Delaware, reached a unanimous verdict on all three counts against Hunter Biden. This verdict comes as a significant point of contention amidst ongoing political battles, particularly as Democrats may use it to counter former President Donald Trump’s allegations of a politically weaponized justice system.
Hunter Biden’s trial follows closely on the heels of Trump’s criminal conviction on May 30. Trump, the first former U.S. president to be found guilty of a felony, faces 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records to conceal a sex scandal. Trump, who is also a contender in the upcoming November 5 presidential election, claims these prosecutions are politically motivated to hinder his re-election campaign.
In contrast, Congressional Democrats point to Hunter Biden’s conviction as evidence that President Joe Biden is not manipulating the justice system for personal or political gain. President Biden has publicly stated he would not pardon his son if convicted, reinforcing this stance.
The case against Hunter Biden was led by U.S. Department of Justice Special Counsel David Weiss, a Trump appointee. Weiss has also charged Hunter Biden with multiple tax offenses in California, alleging he failed to pay $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019 while spending millions on drugs, escorts, and luxury items. Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to these charges, with a trial set for September 5 in Los Angeles.
During the Delaware trial, testimony from Hunter Biden’s ex-wife, former girlfriend, and sister-in-law highlighted his severe addiction issues during the time he purchased the gun in October 2018. Prosecutors presented text messages, photos, and bank records to support their claims that Hunter Biden knowingly lied about his drug use on a federal screening form to buy the firearm.
Defense attorneys argued that Hunter Biden did not consider himself a drug user at the time and had no intent to deceive. His daughter, Naomi Biden, testified that her father appeared to be in good health around the time of the gun purchase.
The sentencing guidelines for the gun-related charges suggest a prison term of 15 to 21 months, although legal experts note that defendants in similar cases often receive shorter sentences or probation if they comply with pretrial release conditions.
This case continues to unfold against a backdrop of intense political scrutiny and partisan debate, with implications for the ongoing electoral and judicial landscapes in the United States.
Source: Reuters
