President Biden responded to his son’s gun trial conviction, saying that in addition to his duties as president, he is also a father.
“As I said last week, I’m president, but I’m also a father. Jill and I love our son, and we’re so proud of who he is,” Biden said of his son, Hunter Biden, after the verdict. “So many families who have had loved ones struggle with addiction understand the pride of seeing a loved one overcome addiction and emerge strong and resilient.”
The president has previously suggested he would not exercise his right to appeal the case if his son was convicted, but in a statement he stuck to that pledge, saying he “accepts the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Mr. Hunter considers his appeal.”
Hunter Biden found guilty on all charges in gun trial
Joe Biden (left) said he will not pardon his son Hunter Biden (right), who was convicted of federal firearms offenses on June 11, 2024. (Getty Images)
“Jill and I will always have our love and support for Hunter and his entire family,” Biden said. “That will never change, no matter what.”
The president was just one of several members of the Biden family to react immediately after the verdict: In the courtroom, Hunter Biden’s uncle, James Biden, appeared upset as the verdict was read.
Hunter Biden’s wife, Melissa Biden, turned to blow her husband a kiss after the verdict.
A courtroom sketch depicts Hunter Biden’s federal trial in Wilmington, Delaware, on Monday, June 10, 2024. (William J. Hennessy Jr.)
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Hunter Biden himself showed little emotion as the verdict was read, remaining motionless and staring ahead with his eyes wide open as the jury delivered its decision. After the charges were read, Biden hugged members of his defense team and flashed a broad smile at his lawyer, Abe Lowell.
Judge Lowell issued a statement immediately after the verdict, saying the defense team was “naturally disappointed with today’s sentence.”
“We respect the jury system and will vigorously pursue every legal challenge available to Hunter, as we have done throughout this trial,” Lowell said. “Throughout everything he has been through during his recovery, including this trial, Hunter has felt grateful and blessed by the love and support of his family.”
Biden was supported throughout the trial by many family members and friends, including first lady Jill Biden. Many supporters were unable to return to the courtroom when the verdict was read, and were stuck behind security lines as people rushed back into the courtroom to hear the verdict.
First Lady Jill Biden arrives ahead of Hunter Biden’s trial at federal court in Wilmington, Delaware, Monday, June 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
“Rather than being disappointed by the outcome, I am grateful for the love and support I’ve received from Melissa, my family, friends and the community over the past week,” Biden said in a statement shortly after the verdict.
“Recovery is possible by God’s grace, and I am blessed to experience that grace one day at a time,” Biden said.
Biden was convicted of all charges in the criminal case, which focused on his firearm purchases in 2018. A conviction could bring a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison, but legal experts have said it’s unlikely he will receive any jail time.
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Judge Maryellen Noreika A date for sentencing has not yet been set, but he indicated Tuesday that a date for sentencing would be set at a later date.
