Hunter Biden Publicly Responds To Guilty Verdict In Gun Trial

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, Hunter Biden was found guilty on three charges in his trial relating to a 2018 gun purchase.

As The Blast previously reported, the President's son was accused of lying on federal paperwork when applying to purchase the handgun.

The required form asked: "Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance?" Hunter answered, "No." However, many testified that he was using cocaine months before the purchase.

The jury deliberated for one hour on Monday and two hours on Tuesday before reaching a verdict. Following the guilty verdict, Hunter Biden has released a statement.

On Tuesday, June 11, the jury, which consisted of 12 individuals, including a substitute teacher, a former Secret Service employee, and several gun owners, delivered a historic verdict.

After three hours of deliberation, they found Hunter Biden guilty on all three charges. This news comes shortly after former President Donald Trump was found guilty on 34 counts in his hush money trial.

Following Hunter's guilty verdict, a Trump ally told NBC News, “I think this won’t matter a ton, but it undercuts the argument of a two-tiered system of justice.”

“That said, the more that argument exists and is pushed, the worse it is for Trump,” they added. “It’s too close to threats to democracy and drives that issue — the only issue where Biden enjoys a lead.”

According to NBC, Hunter Biden entered the courtroom after he was told the jury had reached a verdict. He sat down and drank water as he looked down, appearing to be taking notes as he waited for the foreman to deliver the verdict.

He then looked straight ahead at the jury and nodded slightly as the guilty verdict was read. After the courtroom was dismissed, he smiled and hugged his lawyers, Abbe Lowell and David Kolansky.

After the verdict was read, Hunter Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, walked out of federal court together but did not speak to the media.

Per NBC, Hunter Biden broke his silence regarding the verdict: “I am more grateful today for the love and support I experienced this last week from Melissa, my family, my friends, and my community than I am disappointed by the outcome. Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time.”

Hunter's lawyer, Abbe Lowell, added that the defense team is "naturally disappointed."

"We respect the jury process, and as we have done throughout this case, we will continue to vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available to Hunter," he said. "Through all he has been through in his recovery, including this trial, Hunter has felt grateful for and blessed by the love and support of his family.”

In a statement released by the Biden Administration, the President of the United States reiterated that while he is the President, he is "also a Dad" and "loves" his son.

"Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today," he said in a statement, per CNN. "So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery."

Joe Biden then reiterated what he said last week about not pardoning his son. "I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal. 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," the President added.

Hunter Biden was found guilty on all three charges tied to possession of a gun while using narcotics and can face up to 25 years in prison. Two counts carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, while the third has a maximum of five years. Each count also carries a maximum fine of $250,000.

The sentencing date will be announced at a later time.