Hunter Biden was found guilty in his criminal trial in Delaware over federal felony gun charges.
The president’s son was facing three counts, one that he made a false statement material to a firearm sale, the second that he made a false statement in a firearms transaction record, and the third being in possession of a firearm as a drug user or addict. The first and last count can have a maximum sentence of 10 years, while the second offers a maximum sentence of five years.
Biden was found guilty on all three felony counts.
The jury in Biden’s case deliberated for approximately an hour on Monday before being dismissed. They resumed deliberations on Tuesday. There were approximately three and a half hours of deliberations over two days.
President Joe Biden previously vowed that he would accept whatever the outcome of his son’s trial was and he would not offer a pardon. First Lady Jill Biden has been attending Hunter Biden’s trial and was present on Tuesday.
Hunter’s Biden’s ex-wife, Kathleen Buhle, was called to testify, as well as others romantically linked to the president’s son. Prosecutors have focused their case on evidence of Biden’s past drug addiction, arguing he knowingly lied about being an addict when filling out paperwork to get a firearm in 2018.
“He knew he was using drugs. That’s what the evidence shows. And he knew he was addicted to drugs. That’s what the evidence shows,” prosecutor Leo Wise said in his closing argument.
In a Tuesday statement, the president said he is “proud” of his son for overcoming his addiction issues and said he’ll stay out of the matter while his son considers an appeal.
“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. As I also said last week, I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal,” the president wrote. “Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with love and support.”
Hunter Biden released his own statement, saying he’s more “grateful” for support from his family than “disappointed” by the outcome.
“Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time,” he wrote.
His attorney, Abbe Lowell, said they will “continue to vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available to Hunter.”
