WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden expressed love and support for his son, Hunter Biden, who was found guilty on all three counts in his federal gun trial on Tuesday.
“As I said last week, I am the President, but I am also a Dad,” Biden said in a statement. “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.
“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 President added. “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.”
The remarks were the first comments on the record from the President hours after his son was convicted of federal gun charges.
The jury started deliberating on Monday afternoon, and deliberated for about three hours before returning a verdict. Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to three felony counts tied to possession of a gun while using narcotics.
Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison with the conviction on all three charges but given he is a first-time offender it’s unlikely he will receive the maximum sentence. First lady Jill Biden was not in the courtroom as the verdict was read, and arrived at the courthouse minutes later.
Two of the counts accused Biden of having completed a form falsely indicating he was not using illegal drugs when he bought a Colt Cobra revolver in October 2018. The third count alleged he possessed a firearm while using a narcotic.
In a statement following the verdict, Hunter Biden expressed remorse but also thanked his support system.
“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 Biden said. “Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time.”
