Hunter Biden gun trial: 'Politics never came into play,' juror says after guilty verdict
The president's son was convicted of unlawfully purchasing a firearm.
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.
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Hunter Biden arrives at courthouse
Hunter Biden has arrived at the courthouse for Day 2 of his federal gun trial.
He was accompanied by wife, Melissa Cohen Biden.
His stepmother, first lady Jill Biden, and his half-sister Ashley Biden are also in attendance for the second day in a row.
Arguments to get underway this morning
Hunter Biden returns to court this morning for the start of arguments in his federal gun trial.
Attorneys with special counsel David Weiss' office and lawyers for Hunter Biden are both scheduled to deliver opening statements in the case.
Judge Maryellen Noreika yesterday swore in a jury of six men and six women, completing the jury selection process in a single day to put the trial two days ahead of schedule.
Friends, family look on during Day 1 in court
Hunter Biden spent the first day of his gun trial taking notes, reading documents placed in front of him by his attorneys, and often turning to catch a glimpse of the friends and family who came to court to support him.
At one point, he nodded along as a prospective juror spoke about her friend's overdose after addiction.
Jill Biden was seated behind Hunter Biden all day, and she watched attentively as some jurors told the court that they had such a skewed view of her family that they could not be impartial. The first lady did not appear to react in those moments, but at times her daughter Ashley Biden placed her hand on the first lady's back in support.
Hunter Biden's family members also appeared to be actively involved with his defense strategy -- at one point standing up and huddling with Hunter Biden's attorneys Abbe Lowell and David Kolansky after a sidebar.
When court was dismissed, Jill Biden gave Hunter Biden a hug and a kiss before he walked out hand-in-hand with his wife.
After opening statements, FBI agent will be 1st witness
Hunter Biden and his stepmother, first lady Jill Biden, departed court at the conclusion of the day's jury selection proceedings.
With opening statements set for Tuesday, prosecutors said their first witness would be FBI Special Agent Erika Jensen, who will introduce into evidence several of Hunter Biden's text messages, as well as excerpts from his 2021 memoir, "Beautiful Things," and other evidence.
The parties had carved out three days to select a jury, which means the proceedings are currently running ahead of schedule.
Judge Maryellen Noreika told jurors they would likely need to be available for the trial through June 14, with the possibility of deliberations stretching into the week of June 17.
Defense to decide if Hunter takes stand as court breaks for weekend
In an unexpected move, court recessed for the day following the lunch break, with the defense telling the judge they are "down to that last decision" -- suggesting that they will determine over the weekend if Hunter Biden takes the stand Monday in his own defense.
Defense attorney Abbe Lowell told the court the defense decided not to call one of its expert witnesses.
It also appears defense attorneys reversed course on testimony from Hunter Biden's uncle James Biden, who was already at the courthouse and who Lowell had earlier indicated would be testifying. James Biden was subsequently seen leaving the building.
Prosecutors said they are "still considering" whether they will put on a rebuttal case after the defense rests.
Judge Maryellen Noreika dismissed the jury, telling them to "enjoy a long weekend."
"We are starting to wrap the evidence in this case," she said.
The parties are scheduled to be back in court Monday at 8:15 a.m. ET.