In a historic legal development, Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, was found guilty on Tuesday of federal gun charges by a jury, marking the first criminal prosecution of a sitting US president’s child.
The 54-year-old Hunter Biden was convicted on all three counts he faced, as reported by CNN and other US media outlets.
The charges against Hunter Biden stemmed from allegations that he lied about his illegal drug use when purchasing a handgun in 2018, constituting a felony offense.
The verdict coincides with President Biden’s reelection campaign and on a day scheduled for him to address issues related to gun violence.
This decision also follows closely on the heels of Donald Trump’s recent conviction on business fraud charges, adding to the political dynamics ahead of the November presidential elections.
The jury deliberated for approximately three hours over two days before reaching their unanimous guilty verdict.
During the one-week trial held in Wilmington, Delaware, Hunter Biden opted not to testify.
First Lady Jill Biden attended multiple trial sessions, while President Biden refrained from attending, although he expressed pride in his son.
“While I refrain from commenting on pending federal cases as President, as a father, I hold boundless love, confidence, and respect for my son,” Biden stated earlier.
These legal proceedings, alongside another case where Hunter Biden faces tax evasion charges in California, have complicated Democratic efforts to maintain focus on Trump, the first former president to be convicted of a crime.
