Biden ‘proud’ of Hunter following gun crime verdict – Washington Examiner

President Joe Biden released a statement saying he remains proud of first son Hunter Biden and would respect the verdict after a Delaware jury found him guilty of federal gun charges on Tuesday.

Joe Biden has stood by his son, who was convicted of lying about his drug use in a form to purchase a firearm, in the months leading up to the trial. First lady Jill Biden was seen holding Hunter Biden’s hand as they left the courtroom alongside his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden.

“As I said last week, I am the president, but I am also a Dad,” the president said in a statement shortly after the verdict was handed down. “Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery.”

Hunter Biden, center, President Joe Biden’s son, accompanied by his mother, first lady Jill Biden, left, and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, right, walking out of federal court after hearing the verdict, Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware. Hunter Biden has been convicted of all three felony charges in the federal gun trial. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

A jury found the younger Biden guilty on Tuesday of two other crimes related to a 2018 gun purchase, marking the first time in history that the son of a sitting president has been criminally convicted.

Hunter Biden’s charges also included submitting a false statement into a federal record and unlawfully possessing the firearm for 11 days. He could face up to 25 years in prison, though as a first-time offender, his sentence is likely to be far less than that. Hunter Biden claims he has been sober since 2019.

Joe Biden’s statement also reiterated that he would not challenge the verdict, which comes just two weeks after presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump was found guilty on charges of falsifying business records. Joe Biden has repeatedly attempted to contrast his handling of the cases with Trump’s allegation that he is being prosecuted by Biden allies to deny him a second term in the White House.

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“As I also said last week, I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal,” Joe Biden said. “Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that.”

Hunter Biden faces charges in a separate case in California involving nine alleged tax crimes. The first son is set to stand trial there in September.