Hunter Biden Convicted on Three Felony Charges in Federal Gun Trial
WILMINGTON, Del. — Hunter Biden was convicted Tuesday on three felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018 when prosecutors said he lied on a mandatory gun-purchase form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs.
The 54-year-old son of President Joe Biden showed little emotion as the verdict was read after three hours of jury deliberation over two days. He hugged his attorneys, smiled wanly, and kissed his wife, Melissa, before leaving the courtroom with her.
President Joe Biden said in a statement that he would accept the outcome 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 campaign events and rallies.
Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika. However, as a first-time offender, he is not expected to receive the maximum sentence, and there is no guarantee the judge will send him to prison. A sentencing date has not been set.
Defense attorney Abbe Lowell said they would “continue to vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available.” In a written statement, Hunter Biden expressed disappointment with the outcome but gratitude for the support of family and friends.
The jury’s decision was read swiftly. First lady Jill Biden attended nearly every day of the trial but did not make it into the courtroom in time to hear the verdict. Hunter Biden left the courthouse holding hands with the first lady and his wife before they got into waiting SUVs and drove off.
Joe Biden avoided the federal courtroom where his son was tried and said little about the case, wary of appearing to interfere in a criminal matter brought by his own Justice Department. Allies of the president have expressed concern about the toll the trial and conviction may take on the 81-year-old, who has long been concerned with his only living son’s health and sustained sobriety.
Hunter Biden’s conviction comes just weeks after Trump was found guilty of 34 felony charges related to a hush money payment to a porn actor during the 2016 campaign. While the cases are different, both men have argued they were victimized by political motivations.
Trump, however, has continued to claim his verdict was “rigged,” while Joe Biden has said he would accept the verdict involving his son and would not seek to pardon him.
In his statement, the president said he and the first lady are proud of their son, who has been sober since 2019, and will always be there for him with “love and support.”
