US President Joe Biden (Anadolu photo)
ANKARA – US President Joe Biden said Tuesday he would accept the outcome of a federal case against his son after a federal jury convicted Hunter Biden of all three gun charges against him.
"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," Biden said in a statement.
"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."
A Delaware jury quickly concluded deliberations that began Monday after closing arguments.
The 12 jurors took about three hours between Monday and Tuesday to convict Biden of violating federal law six years ago when he purchased a Colt Cobra .38 caliber handgun while lying about his addiction to crack cocaine.
Prosecutors alleged that the junior Biden lied when he filled out a form to purchase the firearm at a Delaware gun shop, falsely certifying that he was not addicted to any illegal drugs at the time.
The first two charges were related to lying about his addiction while the third was tied to possession of the gun while he was addicted to drugs.
Biden faces up to 25 years in prison and a monetary penalty totaling USD750,000.
It is unlikely that he would receive anywhere near the maximum sentence as Biden is a first-time offender. No sentencing date has been set.
First Lady Jill Biden, who had attended the roughly week-long proceedings, arrived at the courthouse Tuesday shortly after the jury handed down its verdict.
The president has said he would not pardon his son, but it is unclear if Biden would commute his sentence.
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump taunted the Bidens in a brief statement after the jury handed down its verdict, saying, "Hunter Biden is a terrible person who has funneled millions of dollars from other countries to his father."
"His father, one of our worst presidents, is more concerned with making the gun control people happy, so he won't have the courage to step in here and help Hunter," Trump said. "Don't worry, Joe – I will Save your son after I get elected."
The gun case went to trial after a plea deal on the gun and separate tax charges fell apart. Biden was charged with three gun-related counts last September.
Another case on unrelated federal tax offenses is slated to go to trial in Los Angeles federal court in September. Those charges stem from the junior Biden's alleged failure to pay taxes on USD1.4 million in income. (Anadolu)
