Hunter Biden found guilty in federal gun trial

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – After a weeklong trial and about three hours of jury deliberations, the son of a sitting president has been found guilty.

Hunter Biden walked out of a courtroom holding First Lady Jill Biden’s hand. A Delaware jury convicted him of lying about his drug use when he bought a gun in 2018.

Special Counsel David Weiss spoke after the conviction.

“No one in this country is above the law,” Weiss said.

Prosecutors showed the jury text messages about drug dealers and played audio of Hunter’s own memoir describing drug use.

“This case was not just about addiction. This case was about the illegal choices the defendant made while in the throes of addiction,” Weiss said.

The defense argued Hunter didn’t consider himself an addict when filling out the gun purchase forms.

The president said in a statement he accepts the outcome of the case and respects the judicial process. He went on to say: “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.”

Hunter Biden also released a statement saying he’s grateful for his family’s support during this trial but “disappointed” by the outcome.

He faces up to 25 years in prison, but it might not be that long. Syracuse University Law Professor Lauryn Gouldin says sentencing guidelines for first-time offenders are shorter.

“Potentially a year or two in prison. But the guidelines are just recommendations for judges. Judges can take into account other circumstances,” Gouldin said.

Republicans have largely supported the verdict.

“We think that this is a long day in coming,” Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa.) said.

Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin says you won’t see Democrats respond like Republicans did after former president Donald Trump’s conviction.

“You don’t hear a single peep out of any Democrat. Why? We believe in the rule of law,” Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) said.

Hunter Biden’s lawyer says they’ll pursue all legal challenges available.

A sentencing date has not been set yet. The judge said that could be about four months out.

This case isn’t the end of Hunter Biden’s legal troubles. He’ll be back in court this September in California for a federal trial over allegedly avoiding taxes.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.