Hunter Biden’s federal gun trial begins this week, potentially impacting the 2024 presidential race.
President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, is set to go on trial this week on federal gun charges for allegedly lying about his illegal drug use when purchasing a Colt revolver in the fall of 2018.
The trial, beginning Monday with jury selection in a Delaware federal court, marks the first of two cases brought by Justice Department special counsel David Weiss against Hunter Biden. The second case, concerning tax charges, is scheduled for trial in September in California.
Also Read:- Claudia Sheinbaum Elected as Mexico’s First Woman President in Historic Landslide Victory
In the gun case, Hunter Biden faces three charges: two counts of making false statements about his drug use when buying the firearm, and one count of unlawful possession of a gun by a drug user or addict. He has pleaded not guilty.
This trial adds another layer to the political landscape as the 2024 presidential election approaches. While Hunter Biden is not running for office, Republicans have used his legal issues and foreign business dealings to try to politically damage his father. The trial offers another opportunity for such efforts.
This trial comes shortly after former President Donald Trump, President Biden’s opponent in the 2024 election, was found guilty by a New York jury of falsifying business records related to hush money payments to an adult film star.
In a statement on Monday, President Biden said, “While I am the president, I’m also a dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us.”
The gun case stems from a tumultuous period in Hunter Biden’s life when he was struggling with the death of his brother, Beau, and was addicted to crack cocaine and alcohol. The trial is expected to bring to light deeply personal episodes for Hunter Biden and the impact on his family.
Also Read:- Marian Robinson, Mother of Michelle Obama, Passes Away at 86
The case revolves around a Colt Cobra revolver Hunter Biden purchased at a Wilmington gun store in October 2018. Prosecutors allege he lied on a background check form by stating he was not using or addicted to illegal drugs.
Prosecutors plan to call around a dozen witnesses, including Hunter Biden’s ex-wife, Kathleen Buhle, and his brother’s widow, Hallie Biden, who was romantically involved with him after Beau’s death. Hallie Biden found the gun and discarded it in a dumpster, where it was later recovered by a man collecting recyclables, who then alerted law enforcement.
Prosecutors also intend to use excerpts from Hunter Biden’s memoir, where he discusses his crack cocaine addiction, and his text messages regarding his drug use.
Initially, it seemed Hunter Biden might avoid trial. He had a tentative agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to tax charges and enter a diversion agreement on the gun offenses, allowing him to avoid trial.
However, this deal fell apart during a hearing with U.S. district Judge Maryellen Noreika, who had concerns about the deal’s structure. Efforts to salvage the deal failed.
Also Read:- Donald Trump Convicted of Felony Charges in Landmark Hush Money Case
Following this, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Weiss as special counsel, leading to the two prosecutions against Hunter Biden.
Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, has attempted to have the case dismissed on various grounds, but the judge has denied all motions. Lowell contends that such gun charges are rarely brought under similar circumstances and accuses Weiss of succumbing to Republican pressure in prosecuting Hunter Biden.