Current:Home > reviewsBiden reacts to his son Hunter's guilty verdict in gun case, vowing to "respect the judicial process" -ApexWealth
Biden reacts to his son Hunter's guilty verdict in gun case, vowing to "respect the judicial process"
View
Date:2025-04-13 15:05:55
Washington — President Biden issued a statement in response to his son Hunter Biden being convicted on three felony gun charges in federal court in Delaware on Tuesday, with the president saying he will accept the outcome of the case and loves his son. The president returned to Delaware Tuesday afternoon, greeting his son and his son's family.
The jury determined Hunter Biden illegally purchased and possessed a gun while he was addicted to crack cocaine, violating federal law that prohibits users of illegal drugs from owning firearms. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
"As I said last week, I am the president, but I am also a dad," the president said in his 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. 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."
Mr. Biden has generally declined to comment on the case, but said previously that he would accept the jury's decision and won't issue his son a pardon. He hasn't specifically commented on whether he would commute any sentence his son may receive.
Hunter Biden issued his own statement after the verdict, expressing gratitude toward his family and in particular toward his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden.
"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."
Hunter Biden's lawyer, Abbe Lowell, said they are "naturally disappointed" by the verdict but respect the process and will "vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available."
The verdict was reached and read quickly Tuesday, and first lady Jill Biden, who has been present for most of the trial, didn't make it back to the courtroom in time to hear the verdict read. She walked out of the court hand-in-hand with Hunter Biden.
President Biden was at the White House when the jury handed down the verdict.
Other Biden family members have been present for the trial to offer support, including the president's brother, James. Hunter Biden's daughter Naomi testified in court.
Hunter Biden was indicted on three felony gun charges in September after a proposed plea deal with federal prosecutors unraveled. He is due to appear in federal court in California to face separate tax charges in September. He has pleaded not guilty in that case.
Kathryn WatsonKathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital, based in Washington, D.C.
veryGood! (698)
Related
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- 5 dogs killed in fire inside RV day before Florida dog show
- An Obscure Issue Four Years Ago, Climate Emerged as a Top Concern in New Hampshire
- Selena Gomez Is Serving Up 2 New TV Series: All the Delicious Details
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- NYC Mayor Eric Adams Calls Out Reckless and Irresponsible Paparazzi After Harry and Meghan Incident
- Sen. John Fetterman is receiving treatment for clinical depression
- 14 Creepy, Kooky, Mysterious & Ooky Wednesday Gifts for Fans of the Addams Family
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Kristen Bell Suffers Jujitsu Injury Caused By 8-Year-Old Daughter’s “Sharp Buck Teeth
Ranking
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- In Iowa, Sanders and Buttigieg Approached Climate from Different Angles—and Scored
- Beyond Drought: 7 States Rebalance Their Colorado River Use as Global Warming Dries the Region
- New American Medical Association president says we have a health care system in crisis
- Global Warming Set the Stage for Los Angeles Fires
- Midwest Convenience Stores Out in Front on Electric Car Charging
- Fracking Well Spills Poorly Reported in Most Top-Producing States, Study Finds
- Standing Rock: Tribes File Last-Ditch Effort to Block Dakota Pipeline
Recommendation
Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
Keystone XL, Dakota Pipeline Green-Lighted in Trump Executive Actions
And Just Like That... Season 2 Has a Premiere Date
This $35 2-Piece Set From Amazon Will Become a Staple in Your Wardrobe
IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
Famed mountain lion P-22 had 2 severe infections before his death never before documented in California pumas
Why The Challenge: World Championship Winner Is Taking a Break From the Game
Keystone XL, Dakota Pipelines Will Draw Mass Resistance, Native Groups Promise