Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, is currently on trial for three felony charges related to lying on a federal gun form about his drug addiction. The trial, which began in Delaware's federal court on June 6, 2024, has seen testimony from several witnesses including Hunter's former wife Kathleen Buhle, a former girlfriend Zoe Kestan, and Hallie Biden, his brother Beau's widow with whom he had an ill-fated romantic relationship. The defense team is expected to wrap up their arguments on Monday and the jury could begin deliberating by day's end.
According to reports, Hunter purchased a Cobra Colt .38 from StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in Wilmington on October 12, 2018. However, he failed to disclose his recent drug rehabilitation program completion and history of drug addiction on the ATF Form 4473 required for firearm purchases. Prosecutors argue that Hunter was using drugs during the 11 days he possessed the gun.
Defense lawyers, however, argue that there is no evidence to suggest that Hunter was using drugs at the time of purchasing the gun as he had completed his rehab program weeks earlier. They also point out inconsistencies in some of the testimonies presented by prosecution witnesses.
One such testimony came from Hallie Biden, who testified about receiving text messages from Hunter on October 13, 2018, showing him waiting for a dealer and smoking crack the day after buying the gun. However, defense lawyers argue that these texts were sent after Hunter had already sold the gun to someone else.
Another witness, Hunter's daughter Naomi Biden Neal testified about visiting him in California rehab center weeks before he bought the gun and seeing him as hopeful and improving. The defense team is using this testimony to argue that Hunter was not using drugs at the time of purchasing the gun.
The trial has been closely watched due to its potential impact on President Biden's reelection campaign. Some critics have raised concerns about political pressure being exerted on the Justice Department to bring these charges against Hunter Biden.
Stay tuned for updates as the trial progresses.
