By CLAUDIA LAUER, MICHAEL KUNZELMAN, RANDALL CHASE and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press
Jurors have begun deliberating to decide whether Hunter Biden is guilty of federal firearms charges over a gun the president's son bought when prosecutors say he was in the throes of a crack cocaine addiction. President Joe Biden's son faces three felony charges stemming from the purchase of the revolver in 2018. Prosecutors say Hunter Biden lied on a gun purchase form by saying he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. Defense lawyers argue prosecutors failed to prove Hunter Biden was using drugs in the 11 days he possessed the gun.
By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN, RANDALL CHASE, COLLEEN LONG and MIKE CATALINI Associated Press
The widow of Hunter Biden's brother told jurors about the moment she found his revolver in the console of his truck. In testimony on Thursday, Hallie Biden described putting the gun into a leather pouch, stuffing it into a shopping bag and tossing it in a trash can outside a market near her home. Federal prosecutors have argued that Hunter Biden was in the throes of a heavy addiction when he bought the gun at the center of the case. He's been charged with three felonies and pleaded not guilty. Hunter Biden has said the Justice Department is bending to political pressure from Republicans.
By CLAUDIA LAUER, RANDALL CHASE, COLLEEN LONG and MICHAEL KUNZELMAN Associated Press
The former clerk who sold a revolver to Hunter Biden is testifying in the gun case against the president's son. Gordon Cleveland said Wednesday that he watched as Biden entered his name, address and other personal information on the form in 2018. Hunter checked a box saying he was purchasing the gun for himself. Another question asked whether the buyer was "an unlawful user of or addicted to" marijuana, stimulants, narcotics or any other controlled substance. The clerk said Hunter checked no. First lady Jill Biden went to court for the third consecutive day, ahead of her trip to France to meet President Joe Biden, who was in Europe to mark the anniversary of D-Day.
By CLAUDIA LAUER, MICHAEL KUNZELMAN, COLLEEN LONG and RANDALL CHASE Associated Press
The jury has been seated in Hunter Biden's federal firearms case. Twelve panelists and four alternates were chosen after one day of jury selection. Opening statements will begin Tuesday. The president's son has been charged with lying on federal gun purchase forms when he said he wasn't a drug addict. He has pleaded not guilty and argues he's being unfairly targeted by the Justice Department. Prospective jurors are being asked about their knowledge of the case, their thoughts about gun ownership and whether they or anyone close to them have struggled with substance abuse or addiction or ever owned a gun.