Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, was found guilty on three federal gun charges on June 11, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware. The charges relate to lying about his drug use on a federal form when purchasing a Colt revolver in 2018. Biden, 54, was convicted of making false statements and illegal possession of a firearm. The trial brought to light Biden's struggle with drug addiction and included testimonies from family members and former partners.
A panel of 12 jurors reached the verdict after three hours of deliberation. Biden showed little emotion upon hearing the verdict, later hugging his wife Melissa Cohen Biden and his legal team. The court has not yet set a sentencing date, but it is expected within 120 days. Prosecutors have indicated Hunter Biden could face prison time, though it is unlikely he will receive the maximum sentence of 25 years.
President Joe Biden was addressing a gun control conference in Washington, D.C., when the verdict was announced. He later flew to Wilmington to be with his son. In a statement, the president expressed pride in Hunter's recovery efforts and confirmed he would not seek a pardon for his son. The trial has drawn significant attention due to its high-profile nature and potential political implications, especially in the context of the ongoing presidential election campaign.