A jury has been selected to hear the trial of President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden, who is facing federal firearms charges for allegedly buying a gun while addicted to drugs.
The jury was seated in Wilmington, Delaware, just four days after former President Donald Trump's hush money trial ended in a conviction.
More than 65 potential jurors were questioned and at least 29 were dismissed. The candidates, whose names were not made public, answered questions from Judge Maryellen Noreika about their knowledge of the case so far, their views on gun ownership and their ability to remain impartial.
Hunter Biden faces three federal gun charges for a weapon he purchased in 2018.
The president's son arrived at the courthouse Monday morning, followed by his stepmother, first lady Jill Biden.
Hunter Biden repeatedly tried to avoid this moment of standing trial on federal gun charges in numerous unsuccessful attempts to put the case behind him. Prosecutors said he lied on a firearms form when he bought a gun six years ago. They said he checked the box that stated he was not addicted to any drugs, when he knew that statement was false. The prosecution said the revelation was brought to light in Biden's own book, “Beautiful Things: A Memoir.”
President Joe Biden issued a statement in support of his son Monday amid the trial's commencement.
“I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us. A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean," said President Biden.
"As the President, I don’t and won’t comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength. Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I are going to continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support," he continued.
Last year, Hunter Biden and prosecutors had been on the brink of finalizing a plea deal, but it unexpectedly fell apart at the last minute when Judge Maryellen Noreika scrutinized the agreement.
Biden has said the indictment against him is based on politics.
“I have made mistakes in my life, and wasted opportunities and privileges I was afforded. For that, I am responsible. For that, I am accountable. And for that, I am making amends,” Biden had said in a news conference.
But the prosecution has argued that the strength of the evidence against him is overwhelming. Biden pleaded not guilty, but if he's convicted on all three counts, he could face up to 25 years behind bars.
Politics
Judge denies Hunter Biden appeal to dismiss firearms case
Todd Belt, a political science professor at George Washington University, said this case may have very little impact on President Biden's reelection campaign.
"One of the things we know about American people during the time of American elections is that they really don't care what spouses or friends or family members do. They really just vote for the president, and family members are sort of given a pass,” Belt said.
The trial could last as long as two weeks.
