Hunter Biden Chooses Not to Testify in Criminal Trial

Hunter Biden will not testify in his defence in his federal gun crime trial, despite earlier indications from his defence attorney, Abbe Lowell, that he might.

Lowell informed the judge and jury Monday morning, stating, “Mr. Biden rests his case.”

The prosecution subsequently called FBI Special Agent Erika Jensen back to the stand.

Hunter Biden arrives at the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building on June 6, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Hunter Biden is joined in the courtroom by a cohort of family members, including First Lady Jill Biden, his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, his half-sister, Ashley Biden, his friend Kevin Morris, his aunt, Valerie Biden Owens, and her husband, Jack. President Biden’s brother, James Biden, is also in attendance.

Prosecutors are working to prove that Biden lied on a federal firearm form, known as ATF Form 4473, in October 2018 when he ticked a box labelled “No” when asked if he was an unlawful user of a firearm or addicted to controlled substances. Hunter Biden purchased a Cobra Colt .38 from StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in Wilmington.

Federal prosecutors charged the President’s son with making false statements during the gun purchase process, including providing inaccurate information required by federally licensed firearms dealers and possessing a gun while being unlawfully addicted to or using controlled substances.

Hunter Biden departs from federal court on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Wilmington. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

He pleaded not guilty in the case, marking the first time in U.S. history that a sitting president’s child is on trial. The maximum prison time for the three charges could be 25 years. Each count also carries a maximum fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release.

Hunter Biden’s defence team does not deny his issues with addiction, which are well documented in his memoir, “Beautiful Things.” They argue instead that at the time of the gun purchase, Hunter did not consider himself a user of illegal substances.

Hunter Biden arrives at the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building on June 6, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Last week, President Biden released the following statement about his son’s trial: “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’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery inspire us.”

“A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean. As the President, I don’t and won’t comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength. Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I will continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support,” the statement concluded.