Hunter Biden trial: 'Politics never came into play,' juror says after guilty verdict

The president's son was convicted of unlawfully purchasing a firearm.

Last Updated: June 5, 2024, 10:16 AM EDT

President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden has been found guilty on three felony counts related to his purchase of a firearm in 2018 while allegedly addicted to drugs.

The younger Biden, who pleaded not guilty last October after being indicted by special counsel David Weiss, denied the charges. The son of a sitting president had never before faced a criminal trial.

The trial came on the heels of former President Donald Trump's conviction on felony charges related to a hush money payment made to boost his electoral prospects in the 2016 presidential election.

Latest headlines:

The frequency of updates may be limited due to federal court restrictions.
Jun 05, 2024, 10:08 AM EDT

Defense argues Hunter Biden was abusing alcohol, not drugs

On cross-examination, defense attorney Abbe Lowell asked FBI Special Agent Erika Jensen about the timeline of the text messages, photos, and chapters of Hunter Biden's memoir to argue that his client was not using drugs during the time of the gun purchase.

Lowell showed the jury bank statements that chronicled a series of alcohol purchases made by Hunter Biden in the days leading up to the gun purchase and after, suggesting that he was consuming alcohol and not recreational drugs.

Jensen also testified that several of the photos prosecutors showed the jury of drug substances and what appeared to be a crack pipe were taken months after the gun purchase.

Jun 05, 2024, 9:18 AM EDT

FBI agent returns to stand for cross-examination

FBI Special Agent Erika Jensen, the trial's first witness, resumed her testimony after proceedings got underway this morning.

Defense attorney Abbe Lowell resumed his cross-examination.

Hallie Biden, Hunter Biden's one-time romantic partner, could take the stand after Jensen.

Prosecutors also said they also intend to call Hunter Biden's ex-wife Kathleen Buhle, as well as Zoe Kestan, another woman with whom Hunter Biden had a romantic relationship.

Jun 05, 2024, 8:58 AM EDT

Hunter Biden arrives at courthouse

Hunter Biden has arrived at the Wilmington courthouse for Day 3 of his federal gun trial.

As on previous days, he was accompanied by his wife Melissa Cohen Biden.

Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, joined by his his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, arrive to the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building on June 5, 2024 in Wilmington, Del.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Jun 05, 2024, 7:09 AM EDT

1st Biden family member could take the stand today

The first member of the Biden family to testify at the trial could take the stand today, as prosecutors are expected to call Hallie Biden as their next witness.

Hallie Biden, who was married to Hunter Biden's brother Beau Biden until his death from cancer in 2015, was Hunter Biden's romantic partner at the time he purchased the firearm at the center of the case in 2018.

Prosecutors suggested yesterday that she could take the stand after FBI Special Agent Erika Jensen, the trial's first witness, completes her testimony.

Jensen will be back on the stand this morning to continue her cross-examination by Hunter Biden's attorneys.

Related Topics