Jury Begins Deliberations in Hunter Biden’s Federal Gun Trial

WILMINGTON, Delaware — The federal gun trial of Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, has reached a critical juncture as the jury begins deliberations. The trial, which has garnered significant media attention, centers on three felony charges related to a 2018 firearm purchase. The charges include making false statements on a federal firearms form and unlawfully possessing a firearm while being an unlawful drug user.

The case against Hunter Biden, 54, was brought by U.S. Special Counsel David Weiss, following the collapse of a plea deal in July 2023. The plea deal would have seen Biden plead guilty to two tax charges in exchange for the dismissal of the gun charges. However, the deal fell apart, leading to the current trial.

The charges stem from an October 2018 incident when Hunter Biden purchased a Colt Cobra .38 special revolver from StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in Wilmington, Delaware. Federal law requires gun buyers to complete ATF Form 4473, which includes questions about the buyer's criminal history and drug use. Biden allegedly answered "No" to the question about drug use, despite being addicted to crack cocaine at the time. This false declaration forms the basis for two of the charges, while the third charge pertains to his possession of the firearm while being an unlawful drug user.

The trial, which began with jury selection on June 3, 2024, has seen a series of emotional testimonies and the presentation of various pieces of evidence. Federal prosecutors have presented photographs, text messages, and other evidence to support their claims of Biden's drug use during the period in question. Key witnesses have included Hunter Biden's ex-wife Kathleen Buhle, his late brother Beau's widow Hallie Biden, and the owner of the gun shop where the purchase was made.

The defense, led by attorney Chris Clark, opted not to call Hunter Biden to testify. Instead, they rested their case after presenting a few witnesses, including Biden's daughter, Naomi Biden. Naomi testified about her father's progress in his recovery from addiction around the time he purchased the gun. She described her father as appearing well and optimistic about his recovery during their encounters in October 2018.

Throughout the trial, the defense has argued that the prosecution has not provided sufficient evidence to prove that Hunter Biden was under the influence of illegal substances when he purchased the gun or during the 11 days he possessed it. They have also contended that Biden did not view himself as an addict at the time of the purchase, raising doubts about whether he intentionally lied on the federal form.

The prosecution, however, has maintained that Hunter Biden knowingly lied about his drug use to obtain the firearm. In his closing argument, prosecutor Derek Hines emphasized the importance of the law and the need for accountability, stating, "Addiction may not be a choice, but lying and buying a gun is a choice."

The trial has also highlighted the personal struggles of Hunter Biden, who has been open about his battle with addiction in his 2021 memoir, "Beautiful Things." The book, which covers the period he had the gun, does not mention the firearm specifically but provides a detailed account of his descent into addiction following the death of his brother Beau in 2015.

The jury, composed of 12 Delaware residents, now faces the task of determining Hunter Biden's guilt or innocence. If convicted on all charges, Biden could face a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. However, as a first-time offender, it is unlikely that he would receive the maximum penalty.

The trial has taken place in Wilmington, Delaware, the Biden family's hometown, adding a layer of local interest to the proceedings. The courtroom has seen the presence of several Biden family members, including First Lady Jill Biden, who has attended most of the trial except for a brief absence to accompany President Biden to D-Day anniversary events in France.

As the jury begins its deliberations, the outcome of the trial remains uncertain. President Joe Biden has stated that he will accept the jury's verdict and has ruled out the possibility of a presidential pardon for his son. The trial's conclusion will undoubtedly have significant implications for the Biden family and the broader political landscape as the 2024 election campaign continues.