Hunter Biden Becomes First Son of Sitting U.S. President to Be Convicted of a Crime

In a historic verdict, Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, has become the first child of a sitting U.S. president to be convicted of a crime in federal court. Hunter Biden was found guilty on all three felony gun charges by a federal jury in Wilmington, Delaware, on Tuesday morning.

The jury, after a swift two-day deliberation, concluded that Hunter Biden had violated laws that prohibit drug addicts from purchasing and owning firearms. As a result, he now faces up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000 when sentenced.

Hunter Biden and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, arrived at the U.S. Federal District Court in Wilmington to hear the verdict. The charges against him stemmed from an incident in October 2018 when Hunter, then struggling with addiction, purchased a gun. He falsely claimed on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) form that he was not addicted to drugs, a requirement for legal firearm purchase. The gun was in his possession for 11 days before his girlfriend, concerned about his mental health, disposed of it.

Despite his open admissions of battling addiction to crack cocaine and alcohol, Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to all charges. This conviction marks a significant moment, highlighting the legal challenges faced by the president’s son amidst ongoing scrutiny and legal battles.

In response to the verdict, President Joe Biden issued a brief statement, expressing his love and support for his son. “As I said last week, I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today,” President Biden stated. “So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery.”

President Biden reaffirmed his commitment to respecting the judicial process, stating, “I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal. Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that.”

Hunter Biden, 54, is likely to appeal the verdict. However, the financial strain of ongoing legal battles, including civil lawsuits against his detractors, poses additional challenges.

The conviction of Hunter Biden not only underscores the legal complexities surrounding the first family but also brings to light the broader issues of addiction and recovery. As Hunter Biden navigates this legal ordeal, his family’s support remains steadfast, highlighting the personal and public dimensions of this unprecedented case.