President Biden says he accepts son Hunter Biden’s guilty verdict in federal gun case
President Joe Biden issued a statement acknowledging the guilty verdict against his son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted by a jury on three federal gun charges – an unprecedented event involving the offspring of a sitting president.
“I will honor the outcome of this case and continue to uphold the integrity of the judicial process as Hunter considers his options for appeal,” Biden affirmed.
Hunter Biden was found guilty in a Delaware federal court of providing false information on a federal form by denying his addiction to narcotics when acquiring a Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver in 2018. Additionally, he was convicted of deceiving a gun dealer and knowingly possessing the revolver, despite legal restrictions prohibiting drug addicts from owning firearms.
“As I’ve stated previously, I’m not just the President but also a father,” Biden expressed. “Jill and I deeply love our son, and we take immense pride in the person he has become. Many families who have witnessed loved ones battle addiction can empathize with the sense of accomplishment in witnessing their recovery journey.”
Following Hunter Biden’s conviction, President Biden delivered a scheduled address at the Everytown for Gun Safety’s annual conference, focusing on his administration’s initiatives to combat gun violence. While not directly mentioning his son’s verdict, Biden stressed the importance of reinstating the national assault weapons ban.
The White House scrapped a planned press briefing after Biden’s speech, and he subsequently departed for Wilmington, Delaware, where the trial transpired, altering his initial itinerary. Biden is scheduled to travel to Italy for a Group of Seven nations summit on Wednesday.
This response from President Biden sharply contrasts with former President Donald Trump’s reaction to his guilty verdict in a New York hush-money trial last month. Trump decried the trial as “rigged” and blamed Biden.
Hunter Biden, potentially facing a maximum sentence of 25 years, expressed appreciation for the support he received during the trial and underscored the prospect of recovery. His attorney, Abbe Lowell, signaled the intention to pursue legal avenues, including a probable appeal.
The case against Hunter Biden, a 54-year-old businessman and attorney, emerged following the collapse of a plea deal in July 2023, which could have resolved gun and tax charges without incarceration. Additionally, he is confronting another federal trial in California commencing September 5 for alleged tax evasion.