UNITED States President, Joe Biden, has issued a statement accepting the conviction of his son, Hunter Biden, in the federal gun trial.
In response to the guilty verdict, Biden affirmed his commitment to upholding the judicial process, while also acknowledging his personal role as a father, assuring that he and his wife, Jill, would continue to support Hunter as he explores the option of appealing the verdict.
“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.”
Biden last week said he would not use his power as the President to appeal a guilty verdict for Hunter in the case, adding that he “will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process, as Hunter considers an appeal.”
He said: “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.”
Following the verdict, some members of the Biden family expressed their reactions, with Hunter Biden’s uncle, James Biden, visibly displaying his anger in the courtroom as the guilty verdict was announced.
Meanwhile, Hunter’s wife, Melissa Biden, showed her support by turning to kiss her husband in the moments after the verdict was read, underscoring the emotional impact of the outcome on the Biden family.
Hunter remained stoic and expressionless as the verdict was delivered, his eyes fixed ahead with a wide gaze. He showed no visible reaction as the jury announced its decision.
In contrast, his legal team expressed disappointment with the outcome, with attorney, Abbe Lowell, releasing a statement shortly after the verdict, saying: “We are naturally disappointed by today’s verdict.
“We respect the jury process, and as we have done throughout this case, we will continue to vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available to Hunter.
“Through all he has been through in his recovery, including this trial, Hunter has felt grateful for and blessed by the love and support of his family.”
Recall that a federal jury on Tuesday, June 11, found Hunter guilty on three felony charges related to firearms, concluding that he violated laws intended to prevent individuals with drug addiction from possessing firearms.
The conviction marks a historic moment, as it is the first time an immediate family member of a President has been found guilty of a crime during their father’s term in office.
Although the crimes occurred before Biden’s presidency, the jury deliberated for nearly three hours before returning guilty verdicts on all three charges.
The charges stemmed from a revolver Hunter purchased at a Delaware gun shop in October 2018. Specifically, he was found guilty of lying about his drug use on a federal background check form (counts one and two) and possessing a gun while struggling with drug addiction or using illegal drugs (count three).
Hunter faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and a $750,000 fine, although as a first-time offender, he is likely to receive a significantly lower sentence.
Reacting to the verdict, Hunter, in a statement, said he came away “more grateful today for the love and support I experienced this last week from Melissa, my family, my friends and my community than I am disappointed by the outcome.”
He added: “Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time.”
