Jury selection begins in Hunter Biden gun trial
Good morning, US politics readers. Hunter Biden goes on trial today in Wilmington, Delaware, on gun charges in a case that could prove an embarrassment to his father, Joe Biden, and hand a political weapon to Republicans desperate for a distracting issue in the wake of Donald Trump’s 34-count conviction in the New York hush-money case last week.
Prosecutors allege that Biden lied about his drug use on application forms when he purchased a handgun in 2018. He has pleaded not guilty. In theory, he could face a hefty jail sentence, but it is widely seen as highly unlikely. He has long struggled with addiction issues and a troubled private life.
The trial, which will be overseen by US district judge Maryellen Noreika, is expected to last up to about two weeks. Jury selection is scheduled to begin about 8.30am ET today, and the president’s son will be required to be in court each day of his trial on gun charges.
Here’s what else is going on today:
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The House and Senate are both in and voting tonight.
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At 10am ET, the former government scientist Dr Anthony Fauci is set to appear before the Republican-led House select subcommittee on the coronavirus pandemic.
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The House will take up legislation sanctioning the international criminal court if it moves ahead with arrest warrants for Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and other Israeli officials.
Key events
‘I have boundless love for my son’: Biden says he is ‘so proud’ of son Hunter as trial begins
Joe Biden has released a statement as jury selection began in his son Hunter Biden’s criminal trial at the federal courthouse in Delaware.
“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,” Biden wrote.
Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to 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 are going to continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support.
Democrat Sheila Jackson Lee diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
Ramon Antonio Vargas
Democratic congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee revealed that she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and said her treatment may require her to be “occasionally absent” from Capitol Hill.
In a statement published on X on Sunday that alluded to her Christian religious beliefs, the 74-year-old Texas representative acknowledged that “the road ahead will not be easy” yet added:
I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.
Pancreatic cancer is often fatal, but Jackson Lee – whose mainly liberal district encompasses a part of Houston – did not delve into the specifics of her prognosis.
Hunter Biden, who spent the weekend with his parents, faces three felony counts tied to a 2018 firearm purchase while using narcotics.
Prosecutors allege that Hunter Biden lied about his drug use on application forms when he purchased a handgun, and illegally having the gun for 11 days.
The president’s son has acknowledged struggling with an addiction to crack cocaine during that period in 2018, but his lawyers have said he didn’t break the law.
In his memoir Beautiful Things, he described becoming consumed by drugs and alcohol after his older brother, Beau, died in 2015 at age 46 from brain cancer. The brothers were very close, having survived a car crash when they were young that killed their mother and baby sister.
Hunter Biden has said he has been sober since 2019. But prosecutors intend to use his memoir to make the case that he knew he was addicted to drugs when he denied it on the form that every person must fill out when buying a gun.
Hunter Biden arrived at the courthouse in Wilmington earlier this morning ahead of jury selection in his gun charges case.
Hunter Biden was accompanied by his wife, Melissa Cohen, and his attorney, Abbe Lowell.
His stepmother, first lady Jill Biden, and his half-sister Ashley Biden, are also attending the trial.
His father Joe Biden, whose attendance would bring considerable logistical and security challenges to the courthouse, is in Wilmington but is not expected to attend.
Jury selection begins in Hunter Biden gun trial
Good morning, US politics readers. Hunter Biden goes on trial today in Wilmington, Delaware, on gun charges in a case that could prove an embarrassment to his father, Joe Biden, and hand a political weapon to Republicans desperate for a distracting issue in the wake of Donald Trump’s 34-count conviction in the New York hush-money case last week.
Prosecutors allege that Biden lied about his drug use on application forms when he purchased a handgun in 2018. He has pleaded not guilty. In theory, he could face a hefty jail sentence, but it is widely seen as highly unlikely. He has long struggled with addiction issues and a troubled private life.
The trial, which will be overseen by US district judge Maryellen Noreika, is expected to last up to about two weeks. Jury selection is scheduled to begin about 8.30am ET today, and the president’s son will be required to be in court each day of his trial on gun charges.
Here’s what else is going on today:
-
The House and Senate are both in and voting tonight.
-
At 10am ET, the former government scientist Dr Anthony Fauci is set to appear before the Republican-led House select subcommittee on the coronavirus pandemic.
-
The House will take up legislation sanctioning the international criminal court if it moves ahead with arrest warrants for Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and other Israeli officials.
