WILMINGTON, Del. – A sister who was confronted with drug and credit card fraud. A childhood best friend who overdosed on heroin. A cousin who was a scholarship athlete and became addicted to OxyContin after an injury.
As government lawyers and those defending the president’s son tried Monday to narrow the field of more than 250 Delawareans to a jury of 12 and four alternates, they heard again and again about the toll addiction had taken on many who may have would hear the verdict. case that will delve into the darkest chapter of Hunter Biden‘s own battle against drug use.
Of the 65 potential jurors who went in and out of the federal courtroom to be questioned by Judge Maryellen Noreika, at least 26 indicated that they, a family member or a close friend had suffered from drug or alcohol abuse, or had been addicted to drugs. or alcohol, according to a review of the transcript. From that group, four were chosen for the final jury, while a fifth served as an alternate.
On Tuesday, prosecutors will begin building evidence in their case against Hunter Biden, aiming to prove that he knowingly and illegally purchased a firearm while using illegal drugs and did not truthfully fill out paperwork, causing an individual must testify to his sobriety. . Legally, his defense team will aim to sow doubt among jurors about that evidence and highlight his efforts to restore his life.
Politically, President Joe Biden’s campaign is counting on a majority of Americans to see in Hunter Biden a familiar, if difficult, reminder of the struggle in their own lives.
A source close to the president and first lady Jill Biden said they appreciated that so many members of the panel referenced addiction or substance abuse in their own families. They have long felt, the source added, that people understand the complexity of the dynamics on display with their son.
Another source close to the family noted that Hunter Biden had previously encouraged his father to be open about his addiction during the 2020 campaign. This was reflected in comments Biden made during his first debate against Donald Trump, when Republican candidate Hunter attacked Biden. The same theme in 2020 is still just as relevant in 2024, the source said.
“Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has contributed to his recovery are inspiring to us. Many families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean,” Biden said in a written statement issued yesterday as the trial began.
Jill Biden, who watched the entire jury selection process, heard a potential juror say he had worked at the same community college in Delaware where the first lady had taught, as she explained that his wife had addiction problems.
A woman selected as an alternate juror said that “unfortunately being from the area” she knew many people dealing with addiction. “I feel like it’s an everyday part of the world these days,” she said.
Most, but not all, of the jurors interviewed said that their experiences with their family members or friends would not prevent them from being fair and impartial in hearing the case.
“I think it would be easier for me because I went through that with my parents,” said one potential juror, who was later removed from the pool. “It’s a disease, you know, and I don’t look down on it or feel any judgment because people have problems.”
“I think after everyone recovers, they need a second chance. My daughter got a second chance, everyone needs a second chance,” another potential juror, who was also struck later, told the court.
But at times, lawyers for the administration and Hunter Biden took the opportunity to ask for more specific details to understand how this might affect their thinking.
Derek Hines, the lead prosecutor in the case, asked a woman who worked as a drug counselor if she would hold someone accountable who was addicted. The woman had also indicated that she had family and friends dealing with addiction, including two who were seeking rehabilitation.
“Yes,” she said.
Abbe Lowell, Hunter Biden’s attorney, quickly posited the opposite scenario: “If the evidence meets the standard that the judge will tell you, can you find someone innocent?”
“Yes,” she replied again. She was later released from the pool.
Another exchange involved a man who said his older brother was addicted to PCP and heroin. During questioning, he said his brother had also had a gun.
“Do you have any idea whether someone like your brother, someone who is addicted to drugs, should be able to have a gun?” Hines asked.
“No, they can’t,” the man replied.
“What about someone who had that abuse and hasn’t done it since?” Lowell asked.
“Well, I believe there is room for change,” the man replied.
He was ultimately one of twelve selected to try the case.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
