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Hunter Biden’s criminal trial related to gun charges has begun in Delaware federal court, marking a historic case involving the son of a sitting US president.
On Monday, Hunter Biden appeared at the courthouse to face three felony charges concerning the purchase and possession of a revolver in 2018. This trial, the first of its kind for a sitting president’s child, sees Biden pleading not guilty to all charges.
Hunter Biden arrives at J. Caleb Boggs federal courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware for first day of jury selection in his federal firearms case. With wife Melissa Cohen and lawyer Abbe Lowell. pic.twitter.com/5WwBksfmOB
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) June 3, 2024
First Lady Jill Biden, Hunter’s wife Melissa Cohen Biden, and his half-sister Ashley Biden attended the Wilmington courthouse to show their support. In a statement, President Biden said, “Jill and I love our son and we are so proud of the man he is today.”
BREAKING: First Lady Jill Biden arrives at the federal courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware, ahead of Hunter Biden’s federal gun trial. pic.twitter.com/eaZXEyqNyK
— Breaking 4 News (@Breaking_4_News) June 3, 2024
The charges against Hunter Biden include providing false information about his drug use when purchasing a Colt Cobra .38-calibre revolver and possessing the weapon illegally for 11 days in October 2018. If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison, although typical sentences for such offenses are usually shorter. Central to the case will be Hunter Biden’s past struggle with crack cocaine addiction, which he has openly discussed and detailed in his 2021 autobiography, “Beautiful Things.” He testified last year that he has been sober since mid-2019.
Prosecutors aim to prove that Hunter Biden knowingly lied about his drug use on a federal gun purchase form. Evidence may include photos from his phone and iCloud account showing him smoking crack, as well as messages with drug dealers. Prosecutors might also call his former wife Kathleen Buhle to testify. Hunter Biden’s defense may argue that he completed a drug rehabilitation program before buying the gun and believed his statements on the purchase form were truthful.
Judge Noreika has issued several orders requested by prosecutors, potentially weakening Biden’s defense strategy. One order prevents his legal team from presenting expert testimony that individuals with substance abuse disorder may not recognize themselves as addicts.
