Jury Selected for Hunter Biden’s Gun Trial; Opening Arguments Scheduled for Tuesday
The federal gun case against President Joe Biden’s son Hunter saw the seating of a jury on Monday, with prospective panelists questioned about gun rights and drug addiction as First Lady Jill Biden observed from the front row of the courtroom.
Opening statements were scheduled for Tuesday following the selection of jurors, which included six men and six women along with four female alternates. Judge Maryellen Noreika instructed the jurors to avoid discussing or reading about the case.
Hunter Biden is facing three felonies in Delaware related to a 2018 firearm purchase during a period of drug addiction, as detailed in his memoir. He is accused of lying to a gun dealer, submitting a false claim on the application regarding drug use, and possessing the gun unlawfully for 11 days.
The trial comes after a failed plea deal to avoid a trial close to the 2024 election. Hunter Biden maintains his innocence and alleges unfair targeting by the Justice Department, amid criticism from Republicans regarding the now-abandoned plea deal.
Coinciding with the start of this trial is the conviction of former President Donald Trump on 34 felonies in New York City, unrelated to Hunter Biden’s case but emphasizing the prominence of legal matters in the 2024 election.
The jury selection process proceeded quickly, with over 65 prospective jurors interviewed and 29 dismissed by late afternoon. Questions assessed their knowledge of the case, views on gun ownership, experiences with substance abuse, and opinions on the influence of politics in the charges.
Selected jurors included individuals with personal connections to crime, gun ownership, law enforcement, and drug addiction, reflecting a range of backgrounds among the panel.
Hunter Biden faces a separate trial in California for tax evasion in September, with both cases initially slated to be resolved through the unsuccessful plea deal last July.
The trial does not involve Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings, which have been used by Republicans to insinuate corruption, though it will delve into his past struggles.
President Biden expressed support for his son, acknowledging personal concern and pride but refraining from further comments on the case to avoid interference.
As the trial unfolds, concerns arise among the president’s allies regarding its impact on Biden’s campaign and upcoming debate with Trump, as well as the public scrutiny of Hunter Biden’s actions.
The proceedings saw emotional moments, with family members showing support for Hunter Biden as the legal battle begins.
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