WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Jury selection is set to begin Monday in a federal gun case against President Joe Biden’s son Hunter after a deal with prosecutors fell through, leading to the possibility of a trial occurring so close to the 2024 election.
Hunter Biden, who recently spent the weekend with his father, faces charges in Delaware related to a 2018 firearm purchase during a period of struggle with addiction. The charges include lying to a gun dealer, making false statements on the application, and possessing the gun illegally for 11 days.
He has maintained his innocence, claiming he is being unfairly targeted by the Justice Department, with some Republicans criticizing the failed deal as preferential treatment for the son of the Democratic president.
The trial coincides with former President Donald Trump’s recent conviction on numerous felonies in New York City, although the two cases are unrelated. The timing highlights the prominence of the criminal courtroom in the 2024 campaign.
In addition to the gun case, Hunter Biden is also facing trial in California in a tax evasion case. Both cases were initially expected to be resolved with a deal last July, but disagreements over the terms led to the deals falling through and subsequent indictments.
The upcoming trial will delve into Hunter Biden’s personal struggles and past mistakes, posing potential challenges for his father, President Biden, who has long been concerned about his son’s well-being.
Despite concerns about distractions during the upcoming presidential debate, the trial is proceeding, with prosecutors intending to use evidence from Hunter Biden’s memoir and other sources to make their case.
The judge will screen potential jurors regarding their ability to be impartial, as well as their views on addiction and firearms purchasing. The trial is expected to shed light on Hunter Biden’s turbulent past and personal struggles.
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