Opening statements in the federal gun case against President Joe Biden’s son Hunter are set to be delivered by lawyers on Tuesday, following the seating of a jury for the trial.
Hunter Biden is facing three felonies related to a 2018 firearms purchase while he was reportedly struggling with substance abuse issues. The charges include lying to a gun dealer, falsely claiming on the application that he was not a drug user, and possessing the gun illegally for 11 days.
Hunter Biden arrived at the courthouse with his wife, Melissa, accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden and his sister Ashley Biden.
The trial comes after the collapse of a plea deal that would have avoided the trial near the 2024 election. Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty, claiming unfair targeting by the Justice Department following criticism of special treatment for the son of the Democratic president.
The trial coincides with the recent conviction of former President Donald Trump on 34 felonies in New York City, highlighting the judicial focus in the 2024 election cycle.
Jury selection progressed swiftly on Monday in the president’s home state of Delaware, where Hunter Biden grew up and where the Biden family has deep roots.
The panel of jurors includes individuals with varying backgrounds, such as a woman with a familial connection to drug charges, a man who lost his father in a gun-related crime, and a woman married to a former law enforcement officer and gun owner.
There are concerns about the toll the trial may have on President Joe Biden, who has publicly expressed support for his son and concerns about his sobriety.
Despite the trial, the White House has affirmed that President Biden is capable of fulfilling his duties and putting the American people first.
The trial will delve into Hunter Biden’s personal struggles and past mistakes, including his battle with addiction.
If convicted, Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison, though first-time offenders typically receive less severe sentences.
The trial is separate from Hunter Biden’s upcoming trial in California on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes, which also stemmed from the collapsed plea deal last July.
Follow the AP’s coverage of Hunter Biden at https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden.
