Hunter Biden, the embattled son of President Joe Biden, was found guilty Tuesday of three felony counts of lying on a federal firearms application in 2018.
At a crucial time for President Biden’s reelection campaign, a Wilmington, Delaware, jury delivered the verdict.
Biden, 54, faced the jury grimly as the verdict was announced. The charges include lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on a federal firearms application, and possession of an illegally obtained gun from Oct. 12-23, 2018.
The offenses carry potential penalties of up to 25 years in prison, though first-time offenders in similar cases often avoid jail time if the weapon was not used in a violent crime.
The case centered on Biden’s purchase of a handgun during a trying time in his life that included crack cocaine addiction, numerous rehab stays, divorce, financial difficulties, and associations with prostitutes.
Despite these struggles, President Biden expressed unwavering support for his son in a heartfelt statement.
“As I said last week, I am the president, but I am also a dad,” the president stated. “Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride in seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery.”
While he is supporting his son, the president also said he would “accept the outcome” of the case as well as “respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.”
The incident is not the first time a president’s family member has drawn unwanted attention. Notably, President Jimmy Carter’s brother Billy was embroiled in scandal after becoming an agent for Libya under dictator Moammar Gadhafi, receiving substantial payments that sparked allegations of influence-peddling. During President George H.W. Bush’s tenure, his son Neil faced scrutiny for his role in the Silverado Savings and Loan crisis, which resulted in a civil action and a $50,000 settlement.
Even in an election year, Biden emphasized that supporting family is a major priority.
“Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that,” he said.
