Washington – President Biden has made a statement in response to his son being Hunter Biden convicted of three firearms offences Tuesday in federal court, with the president saying he will accept the outcome of the case and loves his son.
The jury determined Hunter Biden illegally purchased and possessed a gun while addicted to crack cocaine, violating federal law prohibiting users of illegal drugs from possessing firearms. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
“As I said last week, I am the president, but I am also a father,” the president said in his statement. “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 who have battled addiction understand the feeling of pride in seeing someone you love come out on the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery. As I also said last week, I accept the outcome of this case and continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal. Jill and I will always be there with our love and support for Hunter and the rest of our family. Nothing will ever change that.”
Mr. Biden has generally declined to comment on the case, but previously said he would accept the jury’s decision will not pardon his son. He did not specifically respond to the question of whether he would commute his son’s sentence.
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The verdict was reached and read quickly on Tuesday, and first lady Jill Biden, who was present for most of the trial, did not return to the courtroom in time to hear the verdict read. She walked out of the court hand in hand with Hunter Biden.
President Biden was in the White House when the jury handed down the verdict.
Other Biden family members attended the trial to offer support, including the president’s brother James. Hunter Biden’s daughter Naomi testified in court.
William J. Hennessy, Jr.
Hunter Biden was charged with three firearms crimes in September following a proposed plea deal with federal prosecutors unraveled. He is scheduled to appear in federal court in California in September to face separate tax charges. He has pleaded not guilty in that case.
