Hunter Biden's Conviction Ignored By Joe Biden In First Public Appearance

Ironically, President Joe Biden, 81, spoke at a gun safety event just hours after his son, Hunter Biden, 54, was found guilty on charges related to his 2018 purchase of a handgun.

On Tuesday, June 11, after three hours of deliberation, the jury found Hunter Biden guilty on three counts in relation to his gun trial. The 54-year-old allegedly made false statements and illegally possessed a firearm in 2018.

Hunter Biden's trial concerning gun charges has come to an end, and President Joe Biden refrained from addressing his son's guilty verdict in his inaugural public appearance following the verdict's announcement.

The jury, composed of 12 individuals, among them a substitute teacher, a former Secret Service employee, and multiple gun owners, entered deliberation on Monday, June 10, and came to a verdict on Tuesday, June 11.

Despite Hunter pleading not guilty to all three charges, the jury ultimately convicted him, and he now faces a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

“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," Hunter Biden said of the verdict, per NBC. "Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time.”

According to CNN, President Joe Biden spoke at an Everytown for Gun Safety event in Washington, DC, on Tuesday about the steps his administration has taken to strengthen gun laws in the United States.

This comes just moments after his son was convicted on gun-related charges.

When speaking at the event, Joe Biden decided to remain mum on his son's conviction. However, he did become emotional at one point during his speech, especially when he referenced the times he’s spoken with families who have lost loved ones in mass shootings.

While he did not speak on his son's conviction during his gun safety event, he did release a statement earlier on Tuesday.

Like his first statement on the matter, President Joe Biden made it clear that while he is currently in office, he is also a father and loves Hunter Biden no matter what.

“As I said last week, I am the President, but I am also a Dad. 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 seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery,” the President said on Tuesday morning, per CNN.

“As I also said last week, 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," the President of the United States added. "Nothing will ever change that."

Following the news, special counsel David Weiss released a statement, making it known that no one is above the law, including Hunter Biden.

“No one in this country is above the law. Everyone must be accountable for their actions, even this defendant,” he told reporters Tuesday, per CNN. “However, Hunter Biden should be no more accountable than any other citizen convicted of this same conduct. The prosecution has been and will continue to be committed to this principle.”

He also thanked the jury following the historic verdict.

“There are few civic responsibilities more important than jury service. Fifteen Delawareans came to court each day and performed their responsibilities in a professional and conscientious manner. We thank them,” he said.

Recently, another significant verdict was delivered, as last month, Donald Trump was convicted on 34 counts for falsifying business records related to a 2016 payment of hush money to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

This marks a historic milestone for a U.S. president, being the first to face conviction. Despite being a convicted criminal, he retains eligibility to run for President. He is currently facing up to four years in prison, though as a first-time offender, the 77-year-old might receive a lighter sentence.

Trump's sentencing has been scheduled for July 11, 2024.