Hunter Biden found guilty on all three counts in federal gun trial, says he is 'disappointed'
The jury in the Hunter Biden gun trial on Tuesday found the first son guilty on all three federal charges in connection with the purchase of a gun in 2018.
Biden was on trial for having stated on the gun purchase application that he did not use drugs, while allegedly having been addicted to crack cocaine.
The charges on which he was found guilty include make a false statement on the gun application and being in possession of firearm while being a drug user.
Biden now faces up to 25 years in prison, and a fine of up to $750,000, according to court filings. However, first time offenders rarely get the maximum penalty.
Responding publicly to the verdict for the first time, Biden said he is "more grateful for the love and support” of his family than he is "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,” he added, according to CNN.
Hunter Biden is set to be sentenced by District Judge Maryellen Noreika, which she said is normally scheduled for 120 days after the conviction, according to CNN. This means the first son will likely be sentenced in mid-October, shortly before his father will face Donald Trump in a presidential election rematch.
The verdict cames after six days of testimony from witnesses that include ex-girlfriends, an ex-wife, and law enforcement officials. Biden did not testify in his own case.
This is the first time that a child of a sitting president has been convicted of a crime, though the crimes occurred more than two years before Joe Biden's inauguration.
In a brief statement after his son's conviction, President Biden promised to respect the outcome of the trial.
“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,” Biden said, according to 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. Nothing will ever change that," he added.
Special Counsel Weiss delivered a public statement Tuesday afternoon following the conviction. "There have been two overarching themes emphasized by the prosecution: this defendant's illegal choices and the rule of law.”
"Ultimately this case was not just about addiction. This case was about the illegal choices the defendant made while in the throws of addiction," Weiss said. “It was these choices—and the combination of guns and drugs—that made this defendant’s choices dangerous."
Weiss also thanked President Biden's Attorney General, Merrick Garland, for providing the necessary "support" and allowing the special counsel's office to pursue the investigation with "independence."