WILMINGTON, Del. – Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, was found guilty on all charges in his landmark criminal case centered on his 2018 firearm purchase.
After deliberating for three hours between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning, the jury reached its verdict. Hunter Biden faced charges of making a false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a firearm by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.
The trial, which spanned about six and a half days, featured emotional testimonies from Biden’s family members, including his daughter Naomi Biden, ex-wife Kathleen Buhle, and sister-in-law turned girlfriend, Hallie Biden. Prosecutors argued that Hunter Biden lied on a federal firearm form in October 2018 when he falsely indicated that he was not an unlawful user of or addicted to controlled substances. The gun was purchased from StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in Wilmington.
Hunter Biden maintained his innocence throughout the trial. As the guilty verdict was announced, he remained motionless, staring ahead. Prior to the verdict, he had appeared more upbeat, even smiling at his defense team. The jury, appearing relaxed, entered the courtroom on Monday morning for final deliberations.
After the verdict was read, Hunter Biden hugged a member of his legal team and his attorney Abbe Lowell. He then left the courtroom with his wife, Melissa Cohen. Notably absent from the courtroom were Special Counsel David Weiss, who brought the charges, and First Lady Jill Biden.
Hunter Biden’s defense did not dispute his history of substance abuse but argued that he did not consider himself an active drug addict at the time of the firearm purchase, citing a stint in rehab prior to October 2018. However, prosecutors presented evidence that his addiction persisted before, during, and after the purchase, including text messages indicating drug use shortly after acquiring the firearm.
The trial also included testimonies from Hallie Biden, who described discovering crack cocaine at her home and her subsequent relationship with Hunter Biden. His ex-wife Kathleen Buhle and former girlfriend Zoe Kestan also testified about their experiences with his drug use. The case marks a historic moment as the first time a sitting president’s child has been put on trial. President Biden has stated he would not pardon his son if convicted.