Jurors in the US state of Delaware have found the son of President Joe Biden guilty of three felonies. On Tuesday, they convicted Hunter Biden on charges related to the purchase of a gun. He has become the first child of a sitting US president to be convicted of a crime.
Prosecutors say Biden was addicted to cocaine when he bought a revolver in 2018. Federal law prohibits drug users from having a gun. Prosecutors accused him of lying on a government form when he purchased the firearm.
Biden pleaded not guilty, but the jurors saw text messages that showed he broke the law. They also believed the testimony of his ex-wife and former girlfriend.
Biden released a statement, saying he is “disappointed” but grateful for the support of family and friends. He has not learned when he will be sentenced. He faces up to 25 years in prison, but he is considering an appeal.
President Biden appeared hours after the verdict at an event calling for more gun control, but he did not address the case. He did release a statement, saying he accepts the outcome of the trial and respects the judicial process.
House Republican lawmaker Elise Stefanik reacted to the verdict, saying it is the “first step” in delivering accountability for what she called “the Biden crime family.” Others from her party said they are interested to see when the sentencing will be scheduled and how it “impacts” the president. They added that they will continue to investigate his family.