President Joe Biden will depart Washington, D.C., early Tuesday afternoon and travel to Wilmington, Delaware, where his son was convicted on felony gun charges.
White House officials announced the schedule change — the president was previously expected to return to the White House — just before he delivered remarks at an event on gun safety. First lady Jill Biden was already in Wilmington while she attended Hunter Biden‘s trial.
Hunter Biden faces nearly 30 years in prison but, as a first time offender, is expected to serve a reduced sentence.
Following the verdict, Joe Biden released a statement in which he said that he remained proud of his son and would “accept the outcome” of the trial.
“As I said last week, I am the president, but I am also a Dad,” the president’s full statement on his son’s verdict reads. “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.”
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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,” the statement continued. “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.”
Also on Tuesday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre canceled a planned press briefing in which she was sure to receive questions on the verdict.