Trial begins for Hunter Biden, son of Joe Biden, for illegal possession of weapons

The trial of Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, and charged with illegal possession of a firearm, began in federal court in Wilmington this Monday, June 3, 2024, in the middle of the campaign ahead of the November presidential elections in which the president and Republican Donald Trump will seek re-election.

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The 54-year-old man arrived at the courthouse in his hometown, Wilmington, in the state of Delaware, accompanied by part of his family, including the first lady, Jill Biden, although not the president. Hunter is accused of lying about his illegal drug use to purchase a firearm in 2018, a felony.

The Democratic president said he and the first lady, who turned 73 on Monday, were “very proud” of Hunter.

“As president, I do not and will not comment on pending federal cases, But, as a father, I feel unlimited love for my son, confidence in him and respect for his strength,” Biden said in a statement.

The trial comes days after a New York jury found Trump guilty of corporate fraud, the first time a former president has been convicted of a criminal offense.

Trump, who is running as Biden’s Republican challenger in November, faces three other, much more serious criminal cases, including his alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

The Delaware Trial along with another in California in which Hunter Biden is accused of tax evasion, is a potential problem for Biden, who is seeking a second term and hopes to keep the country’s attention on Trump’s behavior.

In addition to being a political distraction, Hunter Biden’s legal problems will reopen painful emotional wounds for the family about his long period as a drug addict, a stage that both he and his father have spoken about publicly.

The Yale-educated lawyer and lobbyist-turned-artist is accused of falsely stating that he was not using illegal drugs on documents to purchase a .38-caliber Colt Cobra revolver in 2018.

Also He is charged with the crime of illegal possession of a firearm, which he had for just 11 days in October of that year.

Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty in October. He had previously reached a deal with prosecutors, but it fell through and led to trial.

Prosecutors are going to present a lot of evidence, probably uncomfortable, related to Hunter Biden’s years as an addict.

They have called like witnesses to three of his ex-partners, including Lunden Roberts, the mother of one of his children.

The president’s son, who has written non-stop about his addiction, stated that at the time he bought the revolver he did not consider himself an addict and that he has been sober since 2019.

If found guilty, Hunter Biden will face up to 25 years in prison, although since there is no record the sentence will be much lighter, even without jail.

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The president said Monday that his son’s strength to leave behind his problems gives the family courage. “Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery inspires us. Many families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean”he claimed.