Hunter Biden 'disappointed' by guilty verdict, Trump campaign calls gun trial a 'distraction' (2024)

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Biden hugs his son Hunter on tarmac in Delaware following guilty verdict

President Biden greets his son Hunter in Delaware following guilty verdict (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

President Biden arrived in Delaware just before 5 p.m. to greet his son, Hunter Biden, on the tarmac following his conviction on three federal charges.

Hunter Biden, his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, and his son Beau Biden greeted the president on the tarmac. Biden hugged his son, and bent over to kiss the top of Beau’s head in the emotional scene.

They spoke for several minutes before Hunter and his family walked to board a separate vehicle.

A jury found Hunter Biden guilty Tuesday morning of charges related to lying about drug use on a federal form to purchase a firearm. He pleaded not guilty.

MSNBC legal expert: Hunter Biden verdicts proves Joe Biden is the ‘embodiment of the rule of law'

MSNBC podcast co-host and legal analystAndrew Weissmannargued that President Biden’s conduct regarding his son Hunter Biden’s guilty verdict on Tuesday proves the chief executive has the utmost respect for the rule of law.

During an appearance on "MSNBC Reports" following the younger Biden's conviction on federal charges regarding him buying and owning a firearm while addicted to drugs, the legal expert praised the president for not getting in the way of his Department of Justice’s prosecution of his own son.

"You have a president of the United States who is living embodiment of the rule of law," Weissmann told MSNBC host José Díaz-Balart.

A Delaware jury foundBiden guiltyof making a false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

From the outset of his appearance, Weissmann said he was less interested in the "particulars" of the case than what it said about the convict’s father, especially when compared to how former President Trump handled his own recent guilty verdict and the rule of law in general.

"This is a gun charge. The proof was overwhelming," Weissmann, a former FBI general counsel, said. "I agree with your other panelists that it is rarely charged. In my experience, over 21 years at the department,I never saw this kind of case brought. It would normally be somebody who is a felon in possession of a gun that would be charged."

Fox News' Gabriel Hays contributed to this report.

Biden 2023 interview where he says his son 'did nothing wrong' resurfaces after guilty verdict

Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

President Biden's remarks during an interview last year in which he said he trusts his son, Hunter, had social media users reacting Tuesday, hours after the younger Biden was convicted on all charges in a gun case.

Biden spoke with MSNBC on a variety of issues during an interview that aired on May 5, 2023. In the last seconds of the interview on "The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle," Biden was asked how potential criminal charges against Hunter Biden would impact his presidency.

"First of all, my son's done nothing wrong," Biden answered. "I trust him. I have faith in him and it impacts my presidency by making me feel proud of him."

On Tuesday, a jury in Delawareconvicted HunterBiden of lying on a federal firearm form in October 2018 when he was asked if he was an unlawful user of a firearm or addicted to controlled substances during a gun purchase.

Fox News' Louis Casiano contributed to this report.

NBC News' Todd calls Hunter Biden verdict a 'big blow to Trump,' proves no weaponization of DOJ

NBC News chief political analyst Chuck Todd declared Tuesday that theconviction of Hunter Bidenis a "big blow" to former President Trump.

During a segment of "MSNBC Reports" following Biden’s conviction on federal charges related to illegally possessing a firearm, Todd said that the real political fallout from the verdict hurts Trump because it proves there isn't a double standard at the Department of Justice.

"I think it really damages the Trump campaign’s ability to just wave away their conviction," the NBC analyst told network anchor Ana Cabrera.

The former president has longaccused the Biden DOJof targeting him and instigating the investigations and criminal trials that have plagued him ahead of the 2024 election. Most recently, Trump has said that the DOJ colluded with New York prosecutors to convict him on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Todd argued Tuesday that the DOJ getting the president’s own son on federal charges destroys Trump’s argument that the department only goes after Biden’s enemies.

"But, politically, this is a big blow to Trump, and that’s – I think –if you’re looking for just political fallout, he’s trying so hard to createthis weaponization– and this has been a Republican talking point for so long," he said.

Fox News' Gabriel Hays contributed to this report.

Andy McCarthy: Hunter Biden Special Counsel David Weiss is 'a joke'

Andy McCarthy, a former assistant U.S. attorney and Fox News Channel contributor, on Tuesday appearing on America Reports called special counsel and Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss "a joke" in connection to the investigation into the president's son, Hunter Biden.

"I think Weiss is a joke. I mean, a lot of history happened here before that plea deal blew up as it deserved to," McCarthy said.

"Weiss had this case, Sandra, from October of 2018. Any other defendant would have been prosecuted by the end of 2018, or the beginning of 2019," he explained.

"Weiss got the the gig as Delaware U.S .attorney during the Trump years because his nomination was green lighted by the two Biden-allied Delaware senators, and he dutifully did nothing on this case for a couple of years, which is why they kept him when Joe Biden took office, and why it was very convenient for them to be able to wave around that he was a Trump appointee while he continued to sit around as the statute of limitations chewed up his case," he said.

"They didn't even want to do a sweetheart deal. They tried to get rid of this case with nothing. And it was only because of the whistleblowers who came forward and the attention that that brought to this matter, that they had to go to court and try, at least, to get something past a federal judge. But it was so absurd that it crumbled on the basis of just a few basic questions," McCarthy said.

Lunden Roberts, mother of Hunter Biden's 4-year-old daughter, releases statement on guilty verdict

Lunden Alexis Roberts, the mother ofHunter Biden’s 4-year-old daughter,Navy Joan Roberts, released a statement following Hunter's guilty verdict Tuesday:

"I respect the legal process and the verdict reached in Hunter Biden's gun trial. It is crucial that justice is served and that all individuals are held accountable for their actions, regardless of their status," Roberts said.

"This verdict serves as a reminder that the law applies to everyone equally. As the mother of Hunter's child, my primary concern has always been the well-being and future of our daughter. It is my hope that the resolution of these legal matters allows for a more stable and positive environment for her upbringing,"she said.

"I remain committed to ensuring that her needs are met and that she is provided with the love, support, and security she deserves. Moving forward, I hope for a future where we can all focus on her best interests and work towards a peaceful resolution for our family," she added.

Roberts is releasing a new book, "Out of the Shadows: My Life Inside the Wild World of Hunter Biden" which looks at her relationship with Hunter and what it's like to raise a Biden grandchild. The book is set to release on August 20, 2024.

White House cancels press briefing as President Biden flies to Delaware after Hunter's conviction

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre cancelled the daily press briefing after President Joe Biden changed his schedule to fly to Delaware to be with his son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted of federal crimes on Tuesday.

The president was not originally scheduled to travel to Delaware but updated his schedule after the jury in Hunter's federal announced a unanimous guilty verdict Tuesday morning.

Hunter was found guilty of making a false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

Rep. Elise Stefanik says Hunter Biden guilty verdict 'first step' in 'accountability'

House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y. said Tuesday that the guilty verdict in the federal gun crime case against the president's son, Hunter Biden, is the "first step" in "delivering accountability for the Biden crime family."

"Let's remember, this was Joe Biden's corrupt DOJ that tried to negotiate a sweetheart plea deal with outside immunity unrelated to this case, It was the judge who stepped in to expose that." Stefanik said.

Last year, Biden had struck a deal with the Justice Department to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax counts of willful failure to pay federal income tax, as part of plea deal to avoid jail time on a felony gun charge.

But the judge did not accept the plea agreement, questioning the constitutionality — specifically the diversion clause and the immunity Hunter would receive. The case went to trial and led to his conviction on all counts.

"Today is the first step in delivering accountability for the Biden crime family. We must and we will continue as House Republicans to investigate the Biden crime family for the corrupt influence peddling schemes that generated over $18 million in foreign payments to the Biden crime family members," Stefanik said.

Will Hunter Biden guilty verdicts impact his father's rematch with in 2024 presidential election

President Bidenissued a heartfelt statement after his sole surviving son was convicted in federal court in Delaware.

"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," Biden said Tuesday minutes afterHunter Bidenwas found guilty by a federal jury on criminal gun charges.

The younger Biden was convicted on three counts tied to his October 2018 purchase and possession of a revolver while using illegal drugs. Federal prosecutors accused the president's son of lying on a federal background check form when he claimed he was not using or addicted to illegal drugs.

While the case appears to be a personal and emotional distraction for the president, the big question moving forward is whether his son's guilty verdicts will make any kind of political impact on Biden's 2024 election rematch with former President Trump and whether it will influence persuadable voters.

Jury likely considered Hunter Biden’s own words in memoir as ‘powerful’ evidence to convict

Following the historic conviction of a sitting president’s son, some legal experts pointed to Hunter Biden’s own memoir of his drug addiction recovery as "powerful" evidence for the jury to convict him.

Hunter Bidenwas found guiltyon Tuesday of making a false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

After a week of witness testimony,the 12 jurors deliberateda total of three hours between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning.

Legal experts speaking to Fox News Digital pointed to Hunter Biden’s 2021 memoir titled, "Beautiful Things: A Memoir," chronicling his battle with addiction to illegal drugs, which they argued likely served as compelling evidence to the jury. The autobiographical book was played aloud in the courtroom, narrated in Hunter Biden’s voice as he was sitting in the courtroom.

Hunter Biden seen eating lunch with family following verdict

Hunter Biden was spotted having lunch with his wife and son at a food hall in Wilmington on Tuesday, just hours after he was found guilty on all counts in his federal gun trial.

Biden was seen eating with his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, and their son, Beau. Biden appeared to be upbeat while smiling and taking pictures with locals who came up to him to say hello.

Biden's son sat on his lap and he smiled while talking to him.

A jury found Hunter Biden guilty of making a false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

Fox News' Rebekah Castor contributed to this update.

Dems say GOP 'attacks' on justice system have to stop after Hunter Biden verdict

Democratic lawmakers are speaking out after the Hunter Biden verdict, arguing that Republicans must stop attacks on the nation's justice system in the wake of the decision.

"That is not the result of a sham process or some vast conspiracy by the Biden administration. That is the result of the truth. And these attacks on our justice system have to come to a stop," Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., said after the verdict. "They are dangerous. They are irresponsible. They are nothing but false conspiracy theories being pushed to try and excuse the actions of the former president."

Those thoughts were echoed by Rep. Jamie Raskin, who argued that despite the fact that Biden was "just convicted of every single count that was brought against him," the lawmaker had "not heard a single Democrat anywhere in the country cry fraud, cry, fixed, cry, rigged, cry, kangaroo court or any of the many epithets that our colleagues have."

"Why? We believe in the rule of law. We believe in the justice system and we stand by it," Raskin said.

President to travel to Delaware after son, Hunter Biden, found guilty in gun trial

President Biden will travel to Wilmington, Delaware in the aftermath of his son, Hunter Biden's, guilty conviction Tuesday.

"The president will depart the Washington Hilton en route to Joint Base Andrews," the White House said in a Tuesday statement. "Then the president will depart Joint Base Andrews in route to Wilmington, Delaware," the White House said in a statement.

The trip comes as Hunter Biden was convicted on all counts Tuesday, which also garnered a statement from the president.

“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," Biden said in a statement. "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. 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."

House GOP chair says Hunter verdict a 'first step' for accountability for Biden family

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., during a House hearing on Capitol Hill, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

House GOPConferenceChair EliseStefanik, R-N.Y., said Tuesday that the verdict reached by the jury in Hunter Biden's gun trial is the "first step" for accountability for the "Biden Crime Family."

"Remember this was Joe Biden’s corrupt DOJ that tried to negotiate outside immunity unrelated to this case," Stefanik said in a statement. "Today is the first step in delivering accountability for the Biden Crime Family."

"We must and will continue to investigate the Biden Crime Family for their corrupt influence peddling schemes that generated over $18 million in foreign payments for the Biden Crime Family," she added.

Hunter Biden was found guilty of making a false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

Weiss says no-one is 'above the law' after Biden guilty verdict

Special Counsel David Weiss on Tuesday said that no-one is "above the law" after a jury in Delaware delivered a guilty verdict in the Hunter Biden federal gun crime trial.

"No one in this country is above the law... Hunter Biden should be no more accountable than any other citizen convicted of this same conduct," he said.

Weiss spoke after Biden was found guilty on three counts related to his purchase of a firearm in 2018.

Biden was found guilty of making a false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

The charges are related to a gun registration document in which he said he was not taking any illegal drugs when he purchased a firearm in 2018.

Gaetz insists Hunter Biden conviction is 'kinda dumb'

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., said Tuesday that the conviction of Hunter Biden is "kinda dumb."

"The Hunter Biden gun conviction is kinda dumb tbh," the congressman wrote in a post to X.

Hunter Biden was found guilty of making a false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

Prosecutors worked to prove that Hunter Biden lied on a federal firearm form, known as ATF Form 4473, in October 2018 when he ticked a box labeled "No" when asked if he is an unlawful user of a firearm or addicted to controlled substances. Hunter Biden purchased the gun from a store called StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in Wilmington.

Fox News' Emma Colton contributed to this update.

Former Hunter Biden business associate says trial was 'distraction' from 'influence peddling'

A former business associate of Hunter Biden told Fox News Digital he "feels bad" for Hunter with these charges and that it’s such a "bonehead charge" and "clearly more political gamesmanship with DOJ."

"It’s also a distraction from the main event with their influence peddling," the former business associate continued.

"I am convinced that the entire Justice System is just an institution of people with agendas; not an institution of laws," he added.

Hunter Biden was found guilty of making a false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

Hunter Biden ‘disappointed’ by guilty verdict, credits ‘grace of God’ for drug addiction recovery

William Hennessy Jr.

Hunter Biden, son of the President Joe Biden, said in a statement Tuesday after he was convicted by a Delaware jury that he is "more grateful" for the support from his family than he is "disappointed" in the guilty 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," Biden said.

"Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time," he added.

His defense attorney, Abbe Lowell, also issued a statement saying, “We are naturally disappointed by today’s verdict. 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."

"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," Lowell added.

Trump campaign calls Biden verdict a 'distraction'

(Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Trump campaign on Tuesday called the guilty verdict in the Hunter Biden gun trial a "distraction" from what it said are the "real crimes" of the Biden family.

“This trial has been nothing more than a distraction from the real crimes of the Biden Crime Family, which has raked in tens of millions of dollars from China, Russia and Ukraine," Trump campaign national press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

"Crooked Joe Biden’s reign over the Biden Family Criminal Empire is all coming to an end on November 5th, and never again will a Biden sell government access for personal profit," she said.

Hunter Biden was found guilty of making a false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

Prosecutors worked to prove that Hunter Biden lied on a federal firearm form, known as ATF Form 4473, in October 2018 when he ticked a box labeled "No" when asked if he is an unlawful user of a firearm or addicted to controlled substances. Hunter Biden purchased the gun from a store called StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in Wilmington.

Juror says Hunter case was heart wrenching after guilty verdict

Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, and his wife Melissa Cohen Biden walk outside the federal court as his trial on criminal gun charges continues, in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., June 11, 2024. REUTERS/Hannah Beier

One of the jurors in the Hunter Biden gun trial said the case was heart wrenching, moments after the guilty verdict was handed down.

The 68-year-old juror from Sussex County described the case to Fox News as heart wrenching, but said he didn't buy the story that Hunter went to a 7-Eleven -- and said he thought he was probably buying crack-cocaine.

The prosecution had suggested that Biden was trying to reach out and find drug dealers when he was arranging to meet someone at the convenience store.

The juror said that when they got the case to deliberate “that’s when it got real."

The juror had gone into case not knowing much about the case or having views on it, but he said he had family members who own guns. He also said he had a brother-in-law and another loved one in his life struggled with addiction. Both passed away.

The jury found Biden guilty of charges of makinga false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

“Nobody is above the law, doesn’t matter who you are," the juror said.

“Politics played no part in this whatsoever.”

Fox News' Jake Gibson contributed reporting.

Breaking News

Biden says he is 'proud' of his son after guilty verdict in federal gun crime trial

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks during a concert marking Juneteenth on the South Lawn of the White House on June 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Getty)

President Biden said he is "proud" of this son, moments after Hunter was convicted by a jury of three counts related to his purchase of a firearm in 2018.

“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," Biden said in a statement.

"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. 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," he said.

"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 added.

Bidenwas found guilty of charges of makinga false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

Comer says Hunter verdict is a 'step toward' accountability

Representative James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, during a House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, June 3, 2024. (Valerie Plesch/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer says that the Hunter Biden verdict is a "step toward" accountability -- moments after Biden was found guilty on three counts.

“Hunter Biden’s sweetheart plea deal was smoked out after scrutiny by a federal judge," he said in a statement.

"Today’s verdict is a step toward accountability but until the Department of Justice investigates everyone involved in the Bidens’ corrupt influence peddling schemes that generated over $18 million in foreign payments to the Biden family, it will be clear department officials continue to cover for the Big Guy, Joe Biden.”

Hunter Bidenwas found guilty of charges of makinga false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

Judge yet to set sentencing date after guilty verdict in Hunter Biden trial

Judge Noreika indicated she would set a date for a sentencing hearing at a later time after the Delaware jury found the president's son guilty on all charges on Tuesday.

Hunter Bidenwas found guilty of charges of makinga false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

Hunter faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

Flashback: Biden said he will not pardon Hunter if convicted

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks during a concert marking Juneteenth on the South Lawn of the White House on June 10, 2024 in Washington, DC.

President Bidenlast week ruled out pardoning his son Hunter if he is convicted on charges in the ongoing felony gun trial.

In an interview with ABC News' David Muir in Normandy, France, Biden was asked whether he would accept the results of the federal trial underway in Delaware, which he replied "yes."

And when asked whether he would rule out pardoning Hunter if convicted, Biden also answered "yes."

Hunter was found guilty on Tuesday of three counts of federal gun crimes, related to a gun registration document in which he said he was not taking any illegal drugs when he purchased a firearm in 2018.

He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

Hunter Biden shows little emotion after guilty verdict

Hunter Biden showed very little emotions following his guilty verdict in court Tuesday. Biden was seen smiling after the verdict and did not have any tears or visible signs of emotion.

James Biden, Hunter's uncle, appeared angry after hearing the verdict.

Hunter Biden appeared motionless, looking ahead with wide eyes as the guilty verdict was read. After the counts were read, Biden turned and hugged a member of his legal team before standing up and flashing the smile at Abbe Lowell.

Biden then kissed his wife Melissa and they left the courtroom.

Some of Biden's supporters were not able to make it back into the courtroom once news of a verdict had spread, with a long security line forming at the time some were trying to regain access to the courthouse.

Fox News' Sally Gibson contributed to this update

Breaking News

Hunter Biden found guilty on all counts in gun trial

Hunter Biden, son of President Biden, arrives for his trial at the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building on June 07, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware.(Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

First son Hunter Bidenwas found guilty on all charges in his historic criminal case focused on his purchase of a firearm in 2018.

Hunter Biden faced a trial this month that lasted more than a week and included emotional testimony from members of his family, including daughter Naomi Biden, ex-wife Kathleen Buhle and sister-in-law turned girlfriend,Hallie Biden.

Prosecutors worked to prove that Hunter Biden lied on a federal firearm form, known as ATF Form 4473, in October 2018 when he ticked a box labeled "No" when asked if he is an unlawful user of a firearm or addicted to controlled substances. Hunter Biden purchased the gun from a store called StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in Wilmington.

Hunter Bidenfaced charges of makinga false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

He pleaded not guiltyin the case.

Hunter Biden has a well-documented history of drug abuse, which was most notably documented in his 2021 memoir, "Beautiful Things," which walks readers through his previous need to smoke crack cocaine every 20 minutes, how his addiction was so prolific that he referred to himself as a "crack daddy" to drug dealers, and anecdotes revolving around drug deals, such as a Washington, D.C., crack dealer Biden nicknamed "Bicycles."

His defense team, led by attorney Abbe Lowell, did not dispute Hunter Biden's long history with substance abuse, which also includes an addiction to alcohol, instead arguing that on the day Hunter Biden purchased the Cobra Colt .38, he did not consider himself an active drug addict, citing the first son's sting in rehab ahead of the October 2018 purchase.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Emma Colton

Verdict reached in Hunter Biden's federal gun crime trial

Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, and his wife Melissa Cohen Biden walk outside the federal court as his trial on criminal gun charges continues, in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., June 11, 2024. REUTERS/Hannah Beier

A verdict has been reached in the federal gun crime trial against the president's son, Hunter Biden.

President Biden touts actions to 'curb gun violence' as his son awaits verdict in gun trial

President Biden's presidential campaign touted his work on curbing gun violence as his son, Hunter Biden, awaits his verdict in his gun trial.

"President Biden has taken decisive action to curb gun violence, including by passing the first bipartisan gun safety legislation in nearly three decades, and is running to do even more to save lives," the Biden campaign said in a memo Tuesday.

The memo comes as the president is slated to speak at the Everytown for Gun Safety Summit Tuesday afternoon, the same day as jury deliberations continue in Hunter Biden's trial.

"Gun violence is an issue that requires real leaders who aren’t afraid to stand up to the gun lobby. President Biden and Vice President Harris get that," the campaign memo read. "Trump will choose special interests and the gun lobby over our safety every single time."

Hunter Biden departs courtroom as jury deliberates

Hunter Biden departed the courtroom just after 9:20 A.M. Tuesday.

Biden will have to be back in court if there is a verdict, but will not have to return to the court if there are any notes from the jury.

When the jury comes back with a verdict, there will be 15-30 minutes until court resumes session, about the amount of time it would take Biden to return.

Fox News' Sally Persons contributed to this update

Jury back in deliberations on day 7 of Hunter Biden's federal gun crime trial

Judge Noreika brought the jury back into court just after 9:00 a.m. and asked them if they had talked to anyone, been influenced by anyone, done any research on the case or read or seen anything about it on social media. All the jurors said no and shook their heads.

She then told them to go back and continue their deliberations and said the court is now in recess, pending any contact from the jury.

Hunter Biden and his wife were seated in the front row in the courtroom.

Fox News' Jake Gibson contributed to this update.

Hunter Biden arrives to Delaware court for day 7 of federal gun crime trial

Hunter Biden arrived to the Delaware courtroom for the seventh day of hisfederal gun crime trialTuesday.

As with previous days, Hunter entered the court alongside his wife, Melissa Cohen.

Biden is facing charges of making a false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally-licensed gun dealer and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

The total maximum prison time for the three charges could be up to 25 years. Each count carries a maximum fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release.

Hunter Biden to learn his fate in courthouse named after Joe Biden’s former senate opponent

J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building in Delaware. (Photo by Celal Gunes/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Hunter Biden will learn his fate, possibly today, inside the J. Caleb Boggs Courthouse in Wilmington, DE.

Caleb Boggs was a Republican senator from Delaware. Boggs, 63, a former two-term governor and the state’s senior senator, lost his seat in 1972 to then 29-year-old Joe Biden who would turn 30 just a few days after the election. Part of Biden’s campaign strategy was attacking his opponent’s age.

A local newspaper reported Biden saying of Boggs, “Caleb doesn’t want to run, he’s lost that old twinkle in his eye he used to have.” Biden became the 7th youngest senator in U.S. history.

One month after the election, Biden’s wife Nelia and 1-year-old daughter Naomi were tragically killed in a car accident. Hunter and Beau were in the car.

President Biden weighed in on whether or not he would pardon his son

President Biden has ruled out pardoning his son Hunter if he is convicted on charges in the ongoing felony gun trial.

In an interview with ABC News' David Muir in Normandy, France, Biden was asked whether he would accept the results of the federal trial underway in Delaware, which he replied "yes."

And when asked whether he would rule out pardoning Hunter if convicted, Biden also answered "yes."

Hunter was charged with three counts of federal gun crimes, related to a gun registration document in which he said he was not taking any illegal drugs when he purchased a firearm in 2018.

He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison if he is convicted on all three counts against him.

What were Trump’s remarks on the Hunter Biden trial?

Former President Donald J. Trump has been remarkably quiet in regards to the trial of Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden.

“I had a brother who suffered tremendously from alcoholism and alcohol,” Trump said on Sean Hannity, referring to his brother Fred Trump Jr, who died from alcoholism. “And it was a terrible thing to watch. He was an incredible guy with the best personality. He was the best-looking person you have ever seen. Everything was perfect. But he had an addiction.”

When asked about the trial, Trump said "Look, I feel very badly for them in terms of the addiction part of what they have right now.”

This stands in stark contrast to the 2020 election cycle where Hunter was a frequent target for Trump’s attacks, often citing the “laptop from hell” and regularly asking “Where is Hunter?”

What does James Clapper have to do with Hunter Biden's trial?

James Clapper is the former director of National Intelligence under former President Barack Obama.

Clapper signed the heavily scrutinized letter along with 50 additional former intelligence officials just weeks before the 2020 presidential election, claiming Hunter Biden’s laptop had "all the earmarks" of a Russian effort to influence the vote.

The laptop was brought into federal court this week in Delaware during the first son’s criminal trial on charges brought against him by Special Counsel David Weiss.

When asked if he regretted signing the letter in 2020, after the Justice Department formally acknowledged the laptop’s legitimacy, Clapper replied: “No.”

Clapper also refused to publicly remove his name from the letter despite evidence proving the device and its contents were legitimate and would not concede he and the other former intelligence officials who signed on should have waited longer to weigh in.

The laptop, filled with videos and photos of drug use, sex acts and sensitive business communications, was shown to the jury last week during the trial in an effort to prove the president's son lied about using drugs on a gun purchase form.

Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty.

Here are five takeaways from the Hunter Biden trial so far

1. Special Counsel David Weiss brought Hunter Biden’s infamous laptop to federal court as part of the first son’s federal gun trial, marking the first time the Justice Department has formally acknowledged and confirmed its existence and legitimacy after years of critics claiming it was Russian disinformation.
2. Hunter Biden’s daughter, Naomi Biden, took the stand and delivered an emotional testimony about her father’s drug use after the death of her uncle–his brother–Beau Biden.
3. Hunter's ex-romantic partners, including Beau Biden’s widow, testified to his past drug addiction.
4. First Lady Jill Biden, Hunter Biden’s step-mother, has attended several days of his trial.
5. President Biden has vowed not to pardon his son if he is convicted on federal gun charges.

Fox News' Brooke Singman contributed to this report

US v Hunter Biden trial enters day 7 with continued jury deliberations: 'Choices have consequences'

A federal court waits with bated breath for a verdict in the historicalU.S. v. Hunter Biden criminal caseafter jury deliberations kicked off Monday afternoon.

"Choices have consequences and that’s why we’re here," prosecutor Derek Hines told the court Monday afternoon.

Hunter Biden's sixth day of trial, which is related to his gun purchase in 2018, kicked off with a brief rebuttal case from prosecutors before both the prosecution and the defense teams hashed out jury instructions with presiding Judge Maryellen Noreika, held closing arguments and finally jury deliberations.

The first son is facing three charges related to his Oct. 12, 2018, purchase of a Cobra Colt .38 handgun, including making a false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

Hunter Biden, who has a well-established history with drug and alcohol abuse, is specifically accused of lying on a federal gun form, called Form 4473, where he checked a box labeled "No" when asked if he is an unlawful user of drugs or addicted to controlled substances.