On Monday, June 10, the jury found Hunter Biden, 54, the sole surviving son of President Joe Biden, 81, guilty on all three charges relating to his 2018 firearm purchase. The 54-year-old was on trial after being accused of providing false information and illegally possessing the firearm due to reported drug use at the time.
The jury deliberated for an hour on June 10 before reconvening the morning of June 11 for two hours.
Two of these charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years, while the third carries a maximum of 5 years. Given his status as a first-time offender with no prior criminal record, it is unlikely that he will receive the maximum sentence.
While it is still unclear when or what his sentencing will be, President Joe Biden and the White House are doubling down, confirming they will not pardon Hunter Biden.
White House Confirms Joe Biden Won’t Spare His Son
On Monday, June 17, the White House confirmed that President Biden will not pardon his son from serving a prison sentence if he is ordered to do so.
“President Biden has ruled out any type of pardon or commutation or reduced sentence for his son, Hunter Biden?” RealClearPolitics reporter Philip Wegmann asked press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, per the New York Post.
“Yes, he has,” Jean-Pierre responded, later clarifying, “I’ve not spoken to the president about this, and what I’m saying is he was asked about a pardon. He was asked about the trial, specifically, and he answered it very clearly, very forthright.”
So, while a date has not yet been set for Hunter’s sentencing, it is safe to say that the White House won’t be sparing the President’s son.
Joe Biden Breaks Silence On Hunter Biden’s Trial
This latest line of questioning came days after the President of the United States said he would “not pardon” Hunter during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“As I said last week, I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son,” the President of the United States said following the news of the guilty verdict. “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.”
“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. 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,” he added.
Guilty Verdict Raises Addiction Awareness
After being found guilty, Hunter Biden’s case is raising awareness about addiction.
“Hunter Biden’s story is a story that all too many Americans know intimately,” William C. Moyers, vice president of Public Affairs and Community Relations at Hazelden Foundation, said, per BBC. “It’s a good thing if, at the end of the day, we shift our conversations and our focus away from just piling on and instead recognize that addiction is a public health crisis and that recovery is possible.”
Hunter himself acknowledged his struggles following the “disappointing” guilty verdict.
“I am more grateful today for the love and support I experienced this last week from Melissa, my family, my friends, and my community than I am disappointed by the outcome,” Hunter said in a statement after leaving the courthouse. “Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time.”
How Hunter’s Addiction Struggles Are Affecting The U.S.
Dr. Lucas Trautman, medical director at a chapter of American Addiction Centers in Mississippi, also spoke out about the 54-year-old’s story.
“Every family, whether you’re coastal or in the American heartland, probably has a family member or an extended family member who [has] a substance use disorder,” Dr. Trautman told BBC. “We’re constantly trying to destigmatize substance use treatment so that people come forward. Any time we use a public figure who has a substance abuse disorder for political gain and paint them in a nefarious light, it could stigmatize other people suffering from addiction.”
Donald Trump Calls Trial ‘A Distraction’
Joe Biden has maintained his stance that he will not shield his son from legal repercussions, even as he calls for Trump to halt criticism of his own May 30 conviction in his “hush money” New York trial.
“This trial has been nothing more than a distraction from the real crimes of the Biden Crime Family, which has raked in tens of millions of dollars from China, Russia, and Ukraine,” Donald Trump said, per CNN, following Hunter’s guilty verdict. “Crooked Joe Biden’s reign over the Biden Family Criminal Empire is all coming to an end on November 5th, and never again will a Biden sell government access for personal profit.”
“As for Hunter, we wish him well in his recovery and legal affairs,” the statement concluded.
Hunter Biden’s sentencing date has yet to be announced.
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