Hunter Biden trial: President changes his schedule to be with his son after guilty verdict

President Joe Biden flew to Wilmington, Delaware, on Tuesday to be with his son Hunter Biden after a jury convicted him on three federal gun charges.

Hours after the verdict, the White House Press Office announced that the president’s schedule had changed and that he would head hometown. Later that afternoon, Biden landed in Delaware – greeting his son, daughter-in-law and grandson on the tarmac.

Hunter was charged with two counts of making false statements and one count of unlawfully possessing a firearm for obtaining a gun in October 2018 while he was addicted to crack cocaine.

The president has already said he will not pardon his son but issued a statement saying he and first lady Jill Biden love and support their son and are proud of his resilience in recovery.

Throughout Hunter’s federal gun charges trial, members of the Biden family flocked to the courthouse to show their support for the defendant.

On Tuesday evening, CNN aired a montage comparing and contrasting the very different reaction of Fox News hosts to the criminal convictions of Donald Trump and the younger Biden at their respective trials.

Key Points

• Hunter Biden found guilty on three federal gun charges.

• Joe Biden arrives in Delaware to comfort family

• Trump campaign calls trial ‘distraction’ from family’s other ‘crimes'

• Could Hunter go to jail?

• CNN calls out Fox News over hypocrisy on Hunter Biden verdict

Hunter Biden enters court for fifth day

Monday 10 June 2024 13:36 , Ariana Baio

Hunter Biden and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, arrived at federal court on Monday for the fifth day of proceedings.

Jill Biden arrives at court

Monday 10 June 2024 13:40 , Ariana Baio

Judge reviewing jury instructions

Monday 10 June 2024 13:45 , Ariana Baio

Judge Maryellen Noreika is going over jury instructions with both sides this morning before the jury enters court.

Jury is expected to enter around 9am in which the defense will either continue calling witnesses or rest their case.

Catch up with Friday’s proceedings

Monday 10 June 2024 14:00 , Ariana Baio

On the fourth day of the trial, the prosecution rested its case after a week of focusing on the severity of Hunter Biden’s drug problem. The defense began by calling a former employee and owner of the gun shop where Hunter purchased the firearm on 12 October, 2018 before calling President Joe Biden’s granddaughter, Naomi Biden.

Gustaf Kilander has more:

Tearful Hunter Biden watches daughter testify how ‘things got bad’ after Beau’s death

Charging conference concludes

Monday 10 June 2024 14:05 , Ariana Baio

This morning’s conference about jury instructions has concluded with defense attorneys indicating Hunter Biden will not testify.

Defense asked Judge Noreika to include the language “knowingly” in the instructions – something he claims is a crucial part of the defense’s case.

Who is in court today?

Monday 10 June 2024 14:45 , Ariana Baio

Hunter Biden is in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware with members of his family and close friends there to support him.

That includes his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden; his mother, First Lady Jill Biden; his sister Ashley Biden; his aunt Valerie Biden; his uncle James Biden and his friend and benefactor Kevin Morris.

Lengthy sidebar delays trial start

Monday 10 June 2024 15:20 , Ariana Baio

Lawyers for the prosecution and defense had a long discussion with Judge Maryellen Noreika that delayed the initial start of proceedings on Monday.

It is unclear what the group was discussing but upon returning, the judge gave a short break before welcoming the jury.

Defense rests

Monday 10 June 2024 15:36 , Ariana Baio

Hunter Biden’s defense attorneys have rested their case – forgoing putting Hunter on the stand.

The trial will now move to closing arguments.

Could Hunter Biden go to jail?

Monday 10 June 2024 16:00 , Ariana Baio

Hunter Biden’s fate in his federal gun charges trial will soon be in the hands of 12 Delaware residents.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of 25 years and fines of up to $750,000. However, there is no minimum sentence.

Ariana Baio reports:

Could Hunter Biden go to jail?

Prosecution present rebuttal with FBI agent

Monday 10 June 2024 16:15 , Ariana Baio

Federal prosecutors called FBI agent Erika Jensen to the stand again for the rebuttal portion of court.

Jensen, who collected evidence of Hunter Biden’s prior drug use through his memoir and messages found on his laptop, testified that Hunter texted his sister-in-law and former girlfriend, Hallie Biden on October 10th about meeting a drug dealer.

That was just two days before he purchased a firearm.

It is the closest date prosecutors can point to Biden potentially using drugs before purchasing the firearm.

Jensen testified about location data that showed Biden near Hallie Biden’s home and the 7-11 where he was set to meet the drug dealer

Sidebars take up most of the morning

Monday 10 June 2024 17:00 , Gustaf Kilander, Ariana Baio

Monday’s morning proceedings consisted mostly of sidebars in which defense attorney Abbe Lowell was very animated as they argued over jury instructions and verdict sheets.

For the first time since the trial began, Hunter Biden joined his attorneys on the side of the bench to participate in discussions.

Judge instructs jury to remain neutral about Hunter Biden testifying

Monday 10 June 2024 17:14 , Ariana Baio

Judge Maryellen Noreika has read the jury some instructions up to the part related to closing arguments – which includes asking the 12 jurors to remain neutral about Hunter Biden not testifying.

“You must not attach any significance to the fact that the defendant did not testify,” she told jurors on Monday.

Prosecution invokes similar phrasing in closing arguments

Monday 10 June 2024 17:45 , Ariana Baio

“No one is above the law,” federal prosecutor Leo Wise told the jury on Monday – a familiar phrase that his colleague Derek Hines invoked during opening arguments.

“All of this is not evidence,” Wise said while gesturing at the packed courtroom filled with Biden’s family and friends – including first lady Jill Biden.

“People sitting in the gallery are not evidence,” he added.

What is the firearms form at the center of Hunter Biden’s gun trial?

Monday 10 June 2024 18:00 , AP

The prosecution of Hunter Biden on federal firearms charges stems from a 7-page form that would-be gun buyers must fill out when purchasing a weapon from a licensed gun business. The form includes standard questions about things that would disqualify someone from legal gun ownership, like previous felony convictions, mental health problems or illegal drug use.

The drug question has landed Biden in court — prosecutors say he lied on the paperwork for a gun purchase in 2018 when he said he wasn’t using drugs. Biden’s attorneys say he didn’t consider himself a drug addict when he purchased the weapon.

While people are sometimes prosecuted for allegedly lying on the form, experts say it usually happens as part of a larger case involving more serious conduct, and cases like the one brought against Biden are rare.

Defense teams begins closing arguments

Monday 10 June 2024 18:24 , Ariana Baio

Abbe Lowell, Hunter Biden’s defense attorney, tells jurors to think carefully before convicting Biden, reminding them that the government must prove Biden knowingly used drugs and bought a firearm.

“With this very high burden, it’s time to end this case,” Lowell said.

Prosecutor calls evidence against Hunter Biden ‘ugly’ and ‘overwhelming'

Monday 10 June 2024 18:45 , Ariana Baio

Wise told jurors that the issue in the case is if Hunter Biden is an unlawful use of, or addicted to, illegal drugs and purchased a gun knowing that – he says the evidence the government has presented is “ugly” and “overwhelming.”

“The evidence was personal, it was ugly, it was overwhelming,” Wise said adding it was “absolutely necessary.”

He pinpointed back to Zoe Kestan’s testimony about Biden using drugs in September 2018, weeks before he purchased the gun. He told jurors to recall the text messages Biden sent to Hallie Biden days before buying the gun in which he claimed he was buying and using drugs.

Wise also called on Naomi Biden’s testimony, using text messages she exchanged with her father in October 2018 to show that Biden was “not OK”.

Despite not testifying, Hunter Biden’s words are used against him

Monday 10 June 2024 19:20 , Ariana Baio

Although Hunter Biden did not testify in his federal gun charges trial, his words were still used against him through his memoir.

Prosecutors spent a considerable amount of time having the jury listen to audiobook portions of Beautiful Things so jurors could hear directly from Biden about his addiction to crack cocaine before he bought a firearm in October 2018.

Through his memoir, Biden tells a sad but powerful story about life while in the throws of addiction. The exact type of storytelling that prosecutors needed to make their case solid.

Defense points to gun salesman

Monday 10 June 2024 19:30 , Ariana Baio

During closing arguments, Lowell told jurors that more blame should be placed on Gordon Cleveland, the gun salesman who sold Hunter Biden the firearm.

Lowell argued that the gun salesman skirted around rules – like allowing Biden to not have proper ID that contained an updated address.

He painted Cleveland as someone willing to go around the rules in order to make a sale.

Defense attorneys undermine ‘poor Hallie Biden’

Monday 10 June 2024 19:39 , Ariana Baio

Lowell hit out at one of the prosecutions’ key witnesses in the case, Hallie Biden insinuating her inability to recall moments in October 2018 and role in discarding the gun makes her unreliable.

Hallie Biden, Hunter’s sister-in-law and former girlfriend, testified about Hunter’s addiction to crack cocaine and how she found and discarded the gun that he purchased.

Lowell pointed out that Hallie was unable to recall exact moments leading up to and after she threw the gun out at a grocery store. He also pointed out that Hunter often lied to Hallie about his whereabouts because he did not want to see her.

“Poor Hallie Biden, who had to be dragged through this period of her life again,” Lowell told the jury.

Defense slams Hallie Biden for throwing away gun

Monday 10 June 2024 19:49 , Ariana Baio

Lowell shifted some of the blame to Hallie Biden during closing arguments, telling jurors she made an “incredibly stupid” mistake when she threw away Hunter Biden’s gun.

Hallie testified that Hunter made her file a police report after she told him she discarded the firearm – something Lowell argued was the sign of a person is not using drugs.

Lowell also reiterated to jurors that there is no evidence showing the gun was not properly stored or used in the 11 days Biden owned it

Defense ends closing arguments

Monday 10 June 2024 20:00 , Ariana Baio

The defense team has concluded their closing arguments.

Prosecution will have a chance for rebuttal closing arguments before the jury will deliberate.

Prosecutors rebuttal narrowing-in on Hunter Biden’s 'choices’

Monday 10 June 2024 20:25 , Ariana Baio

Prosecutors gave a rebuttal to the defense’s closing arguments, drawing the jury’s attention away from Hunter Biden’s addiction and toward his decision to buy a gun.

“Choices have consequences, and that’s why we’re here,” federal prosecutor Derek Hines said.

Hines reiterated that they would not be in the courtroom if the case was only about Biden using crack cocaine.

Jury begins deliberations

Monday 10 June 2024 20:38 , Ariana Baio

The jury of 12 Delaware residents is beginning deliberations in Hunter Biden’s federal gun charges trial.

It is unclear when they will reach a conclusion but the jury must vote unanimously in order to convict.

Jurors sent home for day

Monday 10 June 2024 21:42 , Ariana Baio

Jurors were dismissed around 4:30pm, meaning they will return to federal court on Tuesday for futher deliberations

A tale of two families: Trumps hide and Bidens unite in face of criminal trials

Monday 10 June 2024 22:00 , Ariana Baio

In a Biden vs Trump election year, the approach to criminal trials that have impacted both families couldn’t be more different.

Ariana Baio reports:

A tale of two families: Trumps hide and Bidens unite in face of criminal trials

Hunter Biden prosecutors says ‘ugly’ and ‘personal’ evidence was ‘absolutely necessary’ in closing arguments

Monday 10 June 2024 23:33 , Gustaf Kilander

The defense and the prosecution painted two starkly different pictures of Hunter Biden’s 2018 gun purchase during closing arguments on Monday.

Lawyers for Biden outlined a story of a recovering addict who genuinely believed he was on the mend when he checked a box saying that he wasn’t an active user of illicit drugs on a form to buy a firearm on 12 October 2018.

Meanwhile, the prosecution argued that Biden was well aware that he was an addict and an active drug user when he bought the 38 Colt Special at StarQuest Shooters and Survival Supply in Wilmington.

Biden is accused of knowingly buying a firearm while being addicted to crack cocaine, a violation of federal law.

The president’s son faces three counts: False statement in the purchase of a firearm, false statement in a record required to be kept, and being a drug user or drug addict in possession of a firearm.

READ MORE:

Hunter Biden prosecutor says ‘ugly,’ ‘personal’ evidence was ‘absolutely necessary’

What kind of sentencing is Hunter Biden facing?

Tuesday 11 June 2024 00:00 , Ariana Baio

Biden is facing three felony charges: two counts of making false statements while purchasing a firearm; and one count of unlawfully possessing a gun while addicting to, or using, illegal drugs.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of 25 years and fines of up to $750,000. However, there is no minimum sentence.

It is unlikely that Biden would receive a lengthy jail sentence if convicted, given that he is a first-time, nonviolent offender and cases similar to Biden’s have resulted in little jail time.

Instead, Judge Maryellen Noreika could choose to impose other penalties like fines or probation.

Everything Biden has said about his son Hunter’s gun trial

Tuesday 11 June 2024 01:00 , Ariana Baio

President Joe Biden has mostly stayed quiet about his son’s felony firearm trial, who is accused of lying on a background check form in 2018 and unlawfully obtaining a gun while addicted to drugs.

Early on, the White House refrained from commenting on Hunter’s legal matters, referring any questions to the Justice Department or his son’s legal team. However, recently, Biden himself has both voiced his support for his son while promising not to hold him to a different standard than the average citizen.

Kelly Rissman reports:

Everything Biden has said about his son Hunter’s gun trial

How Beau Biden’s death is tied to Hunter Biden’s trial

Tuesday 11 June 2024 03:00 , Ariana Baio

Beau’s death enormously impacted his family, including his younger brother Hunter who recalled in his 2021 memoir Beautiful Things that the grief became overwhelming.

Hunter said he struggled with drug and alcohol addiction after Beau died in 2015. During his federal gun charges trial, Hunter’s attorneys said his relapse stemmed from the grief he felt over the loss of his older brother.

In the wake of Beau’s death, Hunter dated his brother’s widow, Hallie, on and off. The two have spoken about their shared grief over the loss of Beau. They eventually ended their relationship in 2019 and Hunter entered a treatment program to get sober.

Interest in Hunter Biden’s memoir soars during trial

Tuesday 11 June 2024 05:00 , Ariana Baio

Hunter Biden’s 2021 memoir is experiencing a boost in sales thanks to its appearance in his federal gun charges trial this week.

On Monday, the first day of the trial in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden’s book Beautiful Things jumped from its 338,000 spot in Amazon rankings to 12,900, USA Today reported, citing data from Publisher’s Marketplace.

By Wednesday afternoon, the second day of trial testimony, the book jumped up to the 4,200 range.

Read more here

Biden rules out pardoning Hunter if he’s convicted on gun charges

Tuesday 11 June 2024 07:00 , Katie Hawkinson

President Joe Biden has revealed he will not pardon his son, Hunter Biden, if he is convicted on felony gun charges.

ABC News’ David Muir asked the president point blank if he would accept the outcome of his son’s trial. “Yes,” the president replied, also telling Muir he would rule out pardoning his son if convicted.

In Thursday’s interview, Biden also told ABC News he thinks Trump has attempted to “undermine” the law since his conviction.

“He got a fair trial,” Biden said. “The jury spoke.”

Jury instruction discussion includes definition of reasonable doubt and immunity

Tuesday 11 June 2024 09:00 , AP, Ariana Baio

Hunter Biden’s federal gun trial resumed in Delaware, with the judge discussing final jury instructions with attorneys.

The judge began Monday’s proceedings by overruling many of the defense team’s objections to her proposed instructions. Specifically, the word “knowingly”.

Hunter Biden is charged with three felonies stemming from a handgun purchase in October 2018. Prosecutors say he lied when buying the gun by stating that he was not a drug user or addict.

Hunter Biden prosecutors says ‘ugly’ and ‘personal’ evidence was ‘absolutely necessary’ in closing arguments

Tuesday 11 June 2024 11:00 , Gustaf Kilander

The defense and the prosecution painted two starkly different pictures of Hunter Biden’s 2018 gun purchase during closing arguments on Monday.

Lawyers for Biden outlined a story of a recovering addict who genuinely believed he was on the mend when he checked a box saying that he wasn’t an active user of illicit drugs on a form to buy a firearm on 12 October 2018.

Meanwhile, the prosecution argued that Biden was well aware that he was an addict and an active drug user when he bought the 38 Colt Special at StarQuest Shooters and Survival Supply in Wilmington.

Biden is accused of knowingly buying a firearm while being addicted to crack cocaine, a violation of federal law.

The president’s son faces three counts: False statement in the purchase of a firearm, false statement in a record required to be kept, and being a drug user or drug addict in possession of a firearm.

READ MORE:

Hunter Biden prosecutor says ‘ugly,’ ‘personal’ evidence was ‘absolutely necessary’

Who’s who in the Hunter Biden trial

Tuesday 11 June 2024 12:00 , Ariana Baio

Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, is on trial for three federal gun-related charges after he allegedly unlawfully obtained a firearm in October 2018.

Among those testifying are three of Hunter’s former romantic partners: his ex-wife; his ex-girlfriend; and his sister-in-law-turned-lover.

Ariana Baio reports:

The ex, the wife and the widow: Who’s who in the Hunter Biden trial

What to expect on day six

Tuesday 11 June 2024 13:00 , Ariana Baio

Jurors are expected to return to the federal building in Wilmington, Delaware to continue deliberations in the federal gun charges trial.

It is unclear when or if they will reach a verdict but they must vote unanimously to convict Biden on any of the criminal charges.

Watch live: Hunter Biden trial continues with jury deliberations

Tuesday 11 June 2024 13:15 , Ariana Baio

Watch live: Hunter Biden trial continues with jury deliberations

Who is the judge?

Tuesday 11 June 2024 14:10 , Ariana Baio

District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika, 57, was initially assigned to the case, brought by special counsel David Weiss, back in June 2023.

At the time, the president’s son was expected to take a plea deal after striking an agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to lesser tax charges and avoid the gun charges altogether.

But the federal judge was thrust into the spotlight when she suddenly rejected the deal in the 11th hour – calling it “not standard.”

Judge Noreika’s decision caused Biden’s cases to be split, leading to a three-count indictment on gun-related charges in Delaware and a nine-count indictment on federal tax charges in Los Angeles.

Appointed in 2017, Judge Noreika serves as one of the four judges for Delaware’s single-federal district court.

Though she was nominated by former president Trump, her nomination was recommended and supported by Delaware’s two Democratic senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons.

She worked for the law firm Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell for nearly 24 years before her nomination and appointment to the district court in 2018.

During her career, Judge Noreika has donated to both Republican and Democratic campaigns – though more often to Republicans.

She has gained a reputation for no-nonsense professionalism and sets a high standard for technical legal matters.

Jury resumes deliberations

Tuesday 11 June 2024 14:20 , Ariana Baio

The jury has entered the courthouse and resumed deliberations for the day.

Hunter Biden and wife arrive at courthouse

Tuesday 11 June 2024 14:45 , Ariana Baio

No other Biden family members this morning

Tuesday 11 June 2024 15:15 , Ariana Baio

Hunter Biden and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, are the only two Bidens to have arrived at the federal courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware on Tuesday.

No other Biden family members arrived – though they may return when the verdict is read once the jury is finished deliberating.

Recap: Hallie Biden testifies about complicated relationship with Hunter

Tuesday 11 June 2024 16:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Hallie, the widow of Hunter’s brother Beau Biden, testified that she has known Hunter since middle school, adding that their relationship began in late 2015 or early 2016 following the death of her husband.

She agreed it was sometimes “intense” but always “complicated.”

She began her testimony on Thursday by saying that she initially found crack cocaine in her house in Wilmington, Delaware, the city where the trial is taking place. She had to google it to understand what it was but Hunter also didn’t deny it, instead telling her what it was.

Hallie testified she saw Hunter use drugs in Washington, DC, and was also present for him buying drugs, which she said ranged in size from smaller than a marble to larger than a ping pong ball. She added that she saw his behavior change, that he became “agitated” and “high-strung” but also that he was “functioning.”

“This can’t go on, we can’t do this,” she texted him, telling the court that Hunter was often in denial about his substance abuse.

“Leave me alone, I’m fine, I’ll figure it out my way,” he replied.

Crack and alcohol were both “issues” during the relationship, Hallie testified.

She also spoke of her drug use which began after she was introduced to crack cocaine by Hunter.

“It was a terrible experience, I’m ashamed and I regret that period of my life,” she said on Thursday.

Verdict reached

Tuesday 11 June 2024 16:07 , Ariana Baio

The jury in Hunter Biden’s federal gun charges trial has reached a verdict.

Hunter Biden enters court with wife and family

Tuesday 11 June 2024 16:14 , Ariana Baio

Hunter Biden is in the federal building in Wilmington, Delaware with his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, his aunt, Valerie Biden Owens, and uncle James Biden.

Hunter Biden found guilty

Tuesday 11 June 2024 16:24 , Ariana Baio

Hunter Biden has been convicted on all three felony gun charges.

Sentencing set for later date

Tuesday 11 June 2024 16:28 , Ariana Baio

Judge Maryellen Noreika, who presided over the case, said she would set Hunter Biden’s sentencing date at a later time.

The charges carry a maximum sentencing of 15 years and $750,000 in fines. It unlikely Biden will face jail time as a first-time nonviolent offender.

Watch live: Jury finds Hunter Biden guilty on all three counts in gun trial

Tuesday 11 June 2024 16:30 , Ariana Baio

Live: Jury finds Hunter Biden guilty on all three counts in gun trial

First Lady misses verdict reading

Tuesday 11 June 2024 16:32 , Ariana Baio

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden missed the verdict reading by minutes.

So far, she has attended nearly every day of Hunter’s trial – only missing it to travel to France with her husband to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The first lady arrived at the courthouse just after 11:20 a.m.

Hunter Biden leaves court without speaking

Tuesday 11 June 2024 16:42 , Ariana Baio

Hunter Biden, the president’s son, left the federal building in Wilmington, Delaware without speaking to the press.

After the guilty verdict was read, Biden got into a car with his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, and drove off.

Inside the courtroom as the verdict was read

Tuesday 11 June 2024 16:50 , Gustaf Kilander, Ariana Baio

As Hunter Biden heard the jury’s decision to convict him on all three federal gun charges, he stared straight ahead showing little to no emotion.

Biden nodded his head a bit while remaining extremely still.

Afterward, he hugged members of his team, seemingly eager to leave the courthouse.

Hunter Biden prosecutor says ‘ugly’ evidence was ‘necessary’

Tuesday 11 June 2024 17:00 , Gustaf Kilander

The defense and the prosecution painted two starkly different pictures of Hunter Biden’s 2018 gun purchase during closing arguments on Monday.

Lawyers for Biden outlined a story of a recovering addict who genuinely believed he was on the mend when he checked a box saying that he wasn’t an active user of illicit drugs on a form to buy a firearm on 12 October 2018.

Meanwhile, the prosecution argued that Biden was well aware that he was an addict and an active drug user when he bought the 38 Colt Special at StarQuest Shooters and Survival Supply in Wilmington.

Read more here

Hunter Biden leaves court holding hands with Jill Biden

Tuesday 11 June 2024 17:10 , Ariana Baio

Hunter Biden departed from the J Caleb Boggs Federal Building in Wilmington, Delaware holding the hands of his mother, First Lady Jill Biden, and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden.

President Joe Biden releases statement on Hunter’s verdict

Tuesday 11 June 2024 17:20 , Ariana Baio

“As I said last week, 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. 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.”

Conservatives complain about Hunter Biden verdict

Tuesday 11 June 2024 17:30 , Ariana Baio

Several far-right figures on social media complained about the guilty verdict in Hunter Biden’s federal gun charges trial – believing it to be a boring lesser charge.

“The Hunter Biden gun conviction is kinda dumb tbh,” Florida representative Matt Gaetz wrote on Tuesday.

“Hunter Biden guilty. Yawn. The true crimes of the Biden Crime Family remain untouched. This is a fake trial trying to make the Justice system appear “balanced.” Don’t fall for it,” Charlie Kirk wrote.

Biden was charged with the gun-related counts last year after a plea deal with prosecutors fell through at the last minute. The Justice Department had been investigating Biden for years probing his financial and business dealings.

He is also charged with nine federal tax-related charges in California. That trial is expected to happen in September

Hunter Biden thanks family and friends for support

Tuesday 11 June 2024 17:45 , Ariana Baio

Hunter Biden says he is more “grateful” for his family and friend’s support over the last week than he is “dissappointed” by the outcome of his federal gun charges trial.

“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. Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time,” Biden said.

Hunter Biden found guilty of all three charges in historic federal gun trial

Tuesday 11 June 2024 18:00 , Ariana Baio

After approximately three hours of deliberations, 12 jurors unanimously convicted Biden on all three felony gun charges, a historic decision that marks the first time a sitting president’s child has been found guilty of a crime.

Gustaf Kilander reports from Wilmington, Delaware:

Hunter Biden found guilty of all three charges in historic federal gun trial

Trump campaign calls trial ‘distraction’ from other crimes

Tuesday 11 June 2024 18:30 , Ariana Baio

A spokesperson for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign released a statement on Hunter Biden’s verdict, calling the entire trial a “distraction” from other alleged crimes the Biden family has committed.

“This trial has been nothing more than a distraction from the real crimes of the Biden Crime Family, which has raked in tens of millions of dollars from China, Russia and Ukraine. Crooked Joe Biden’s reign over the Biden Family Criminal Empire is all coming to an end on November 5th, and never again will a Biden sell government access for personal profit,” Karoline Leavitt, the Trump campaign National Press Secretary said in a statement.

Read the verdict form in Hunter Biden’s trial

Tuesday 11 June 2024 19:00 , Ariana Baio

Read the verdict form, the 12-panel jury submitted to convict Hunter Biden on three gun-related charges here.

Hunter Biden attorney says they will pursue ‘all the legal challenges’

Tuesday 11 June 2024 19:20 , Ariana Baio

Abbe Lowell, Hunter Biden’s defense attorney, said in a statement that he plans to “vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available to Hunter” after a jury convicted him on three federal gun charges.

“We are naturally disappointed by today’s verdict. We respect the jury process, and as we have done throughout this case, we will continue to vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available to Hunter. Through all he has been through in his recovery, including this trial, Hunter has felt grateful for and blessed by the love and support of his family,” Lowell said in the statement.

President Joe Biden to head to Wilmington

Tuesday 11 June 2024 19:26 , Ariana Baio

President Joe Biden will go to Wilmington, Delaware later this afternoon, presumably to be with his son, Hunter Biden, after a jury convicted him on three federal gun charges.

Hours after the ruling, the president changed his schedule so he visit Delaware to be with his family. First Lady Jill Biden is already in Wilmington as she attended Hunter’s trial.

Special counsel thanks jury for service

Tuesday 11 June 2024 19:40 , Ariana Baio

Special Counsel David Weiss thanked the jury who sat in and ultimately convicted Hunter Biden on three federal gun-related charges, during a press conference on Tuesday.

“I want to thank the jury for their service. There are few civic responsibilities more important than jury service,” he said.

Democrat rep calls out Republicans for hypocrisy

Tuesday 11 June 2024 20:00 , Ariana Baio

Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts called out his Republican colleagues for accepting the verdict in Hunter Biden’s federal gun charges trial but denouncing the verdict in Donald Trump’s New York criminal trial.

“Apparently, when a Republican is convicted it’s weaponization. But when a Democrat is convicted, the president’s son no less, that’s justice. I mean, give me a break,” McGovern said during a hearing on Tuesday.

He added: “Hunter Biden was found guilty by a jury of his peers just like Donald Trump.”

McGovern accused Republicans of abandoning the rule of law to suit their political needs.

Watch: Joe Biden speaks about gun control after son Hunter found guilty

Tuesday 11 June 2024 20:15 , Ariana Baio

Live: Joe Biden speaks on gun control after son Hunter found guilty in historic trial

Joe Biden makes no mention of Hunter’s conviction during speech

Tuesday 11 June 2024 20:30 , Ariana Baio

President Joe Biden made no mention of his son, Hunter Biden’s, gun charges conviction while delivering a speech at the Everytown for Gun Safety event in Washington, DC.

The president’s remarks included acknowledging his administration’s steps in strengthing gun laws in the country and holding those accountable who break the laws.

His son was found guilty of lying on a federal gun form, lying to a firearm salesman and unlawfully possessing a gun on Tuesday.

Watch: Hunter Biden leaves federal court in Delaware hand in hand with the First Lady and his wife

Tuesday 11 June 2024 21:00 , Ariana Baio

From the trial: Hunter Biden’s ex-wife testifies

Tuesday 11 June 2024 21:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Hunter Biden’s ex-wife, Kathleen Buhle, outlined his drug use in detailed testimony at his federal gun trial last week.

A hesitant-seeming Buhle, in a tan suit, white shirt, and black glasses, testified that she found a broken pipe, pipe-cleaning materials, a white powder, and remnants of crystals in Biden’s car. She said she looked for drugs in his vehicle more than once so that her daughters wouldn’t drive with drugs in the vehicle.

She added that he continued to work while using drugs and that she found that others didn’t notice his drug use. He tried to hide his drug use from family and friends, she said.

The ex-wife added that they talked about him going to rehab, noting that he initially didn’t want to but that he eventually did.

Biden, in a dark suit and slicked-back hair, looked intently at Buhle but didn’t give away much emotion during her testimony.

On cross-examination, she said alcohol had been an issue throughout their marriage, and that Biden initially went to rehab in 2003, ten years into their marriage.

Congressman compares Democratic response to Biden verdict to Republicans

Tuesday 11 June 2024 21:45 , Ariana Baio

Joe Biden arrives in Delaware

Tuesday 11 June 2024 21:48 , Ariana Baio

President Joe Biden arrived in Delaware on Tuesday afternoon, meeting his son, Hunter Biden, on the tarmac where Marine One landed.

Hunter was joined by his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, and their son, Beau Biden.

Hunter Biden juror ‘felt sorry’ for Naomi having to testify in trial

Tuesday 11 June 2024 22:00 , Ariana Baio

Naomi Biden’s testimony during her father’s testimony weighed on the jury as they deliberated Hunter Biden’s conviction.

“No daughter should ever have to testify,” an anonymous juror told CNN an hour after the verdict.

Kelly Rissman reports:

Hunter Biden jury ‘felt sorry for Naomi’ having to testify in father’s trial: juror

Hunter Biden conviction draws complaints from far-right social media

Tuesday 11 June 2024 23:00 , Ariana Baio

Far-right commentators couldn’t help but whine on social media moments after Hunter Biden became a convicted felon - despite asking for years for his conviction.

Gustaf Kilander reports:

Hunter Biden conviction draws strong complaints from far-right social media

Could Joe Biden pardon Hunter?

01:00 , Alex Woodward

President Joe Biden ruled out pardoning his son, and the president has said he would respect the outcome of the jury trial, which marked the first-ever criminal proceedings of the son of a sitting US president.

But conservative commentators and social media critics have questioned whether the president will stand by his statements after his son’s conviction on three gun counts that could put him in prison for up to 25 years.

If Biden did pardon Hunter, he would be relying on longstanding executive authority that has been exercised dozens of times – but it would be an unprecedented and potentially politically devastating decision from a president who has repeatedly pledged that no one is above the law.

“I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal,” he said on Tuesday after the verdict was announced. “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.”

How the Hunter Biden guilty verdict will affect the election

05:00 , Andrew Feinberg

Were the charges serious? Yes. Any gun-related criminal charge is generally serious, even in a country with relatively lax laws governing the possession and acquisition of firearms.

The week-long trial, held in a federal courthouse not far from where President Biden’s re-election campaign is based, marked a low point for Hunter. The Yale-educated attorney-turned-businessman has struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for decades, by his own admission.

Andrew Feinberg reports:

Hunter Biden has been found guilty. Here’s how the verdict will affect the election

Juror says they felt badly about Naomi Biden testifying

08:00 , Kelly Rissman

Naomi Biden’s testimony during her father’s testimony weighed on the jury as they deliberated Hunter Biden’s conviction.

Speaking to CNN after the verdict on Tuesday afternoon, an unnamed juror said he believed that it “was a bad mistake” to put the defendant’s daughter on the stand, adding that most of the jurors “felt sorry” for the 30-year-old.

“No daughter should ever have to testify,” an anonymous juror told CNN an hour after the verdict.

When she took the stand, President Joe Biden’s granddaughter admitted she was “nervous” before proceeding to tell the court that “things got bad” after her uncle Beau died in 2015. She also testified that she never saw her father using drugs.

Hunter grew tearful as he listened to his daughter speak.

The anonymous juror also spoke about another “very sad” revelation that came up during the trial: “I did not know that Hallie also got addicted to crack.”

‘This case was about the illegal choices the defendant made'

10:00 , Ariana Baio

Special counsel David Weiss made sure to emphasize that the charges and case against Hunter Biden were not about addiction but rather the choices he made while experiencing addiction.

“While there has been much testimony about the defendant’s abuse of drugs and alcohol ultimately this case was not just about addiction, a disease that haunts families across the United States including Hunter Biden’s family, this case was about the illegal choices the defendant made while in the throws of addiction,” Weiss said in a press conference on Tuesday.

Weiss repeated a sentiment heard throughout the trial, “No one in this country is above the law.”

“Everyone must be accountable for their actions, even this defendant. However, Hunter Biden should be no more accountable than any other citizen convicted of this same conduct. The prosecution has been, and will continue to be, committed to this principle.”

Watch: Special Counsel deliver speech after Hunter Biden verdict

11:00 , Ariana Baio

CNN calls out Fox News’s very different reactions to Hunter Biden and Trump guilty verdicts

12:00 , Joe Sommerlad

CNN aired a montage on Tuesday evening comparing and contrasting the very different reaction of Fox News hosts to the criminal convictions of Donald Trump and Hunter Biden at their respective trials, a surprisingly direct attack on a media rival.

Introduced by anchor Abby Phillip, the segment presented the likes of Jeanine Pirro declaring in the wake of the Trump verdict on May 30 that the outcome “goes against the ilk of who we are as Americans and our faith in the criminal justice system”, before praising the Delaware jury for “not being intimidated” by the Bidens and recognising that the case in front of them was “clear-cut… and that no one is above the law”.

Laura Ingraham was shown sneering that “we all need to shop at Banana Republic from now on” in response to Trump’s being found guilty and then insisting that the Bidens had escaped accountability for “their sleazy, corrupt conduct” for years but “today, their luck ran out”.

And Jesse Watters was seen accusing “weak lawyers and talentless political bloodhounds” of being willing to “destroy the rule of law” to prosecute Trump but saying that the Biden verdict “gave me a little boost of confidence in the American legal system”.

Phillip wrapped up the feature by commenting: “Yes, these are two different trials under very different circumstances. Hunter Biden’s was federal, Trump’s was not. The crimes and the evidence? All completely different.

“You can’t claim the justice system is dead because of a single conviction while also praising it for another.

“And you can’t claim President Biden is weaponizing the Justice Department to go after his enemies when that same department just convicted his own son.”

Phillip actually didn’t have time to include Sean Hannity but, rest assured, he kept it up too.

Democratic representatives Jamie Raskin and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez meanwhile teamed up to offer a postive spin on the Hunter verdict in conversation with Chris Hayes.

Here’s our report.

CNN calls out Fox’s very different reactions to Hunter Biden and Trump convictions