Hunter Biden will face trial on federal gun charges starting Monday in Wilmington, Delaware. Charged with three felony gun offenses, he could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted. The charges stem from a 2018 incident where Biden, while addicted to crack cocaine, allegedly lied on a federal form to purchase a firearm. This trial poses challenges not only to Hunter Biden but could affect President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign.
In 2018, Hallie Biden, the widow of Hunter's deceased brother, Beau, found the gun in Hunter's car and disposed of it in a grocery store trash can, sparking the current case. Text messages presented by federal prosecutors reveal heated exchanges between Hunter and Hallie regarding the incident, highlighting Hunter's drug addiction and erratic behavior.
Prosecutors plan to use Hunter's memoir, Beautiful Things, where he admits to heavy drug use during the period in question, as evidence. They will also present photos and data from Hunter’s laptop and phone, including images of drug paraphernalia and conversations about drugs. Additionally, ex-wives and ex-girlfriends, including Hallie, may be called to testify about Hunter’s drug use and its correlation to the gun purchase.
This trial unfolds amid another pending federal tax trial in Los Angeles, further complicating Hunter Biden’s legal troubles and potentially impacting the political landscape as the presidential election nears. Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to all charges, with his defense arguing that the case is politically motivated.