U.S. President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden and his wife Melissa Cohen Biden arrive at the federal courthouse on the opening day of his trial on criminal gun charges on June 3, 2024 in Wilmington, Delaware.
Kevin Lamarque | Reuters
President Joe Biden expressed love and support Monday morning for his only surviving son, Hunter Biden, who faces a federal trial on criminal firearms charges.
“I am the president, but I am also a father,” the elder Biden said in a statement as jury selection began in the trial in U.S. District Court in Delaware.
Hunter Biden, 54, faces three charges for purchasing and possessing a Colt Cobra revolver in 2018 during a drug addiction.
The trial began just four days after a New York jury found Donald Trump, the Republican former president and now the party’s presumptive nominee, guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records.
Both Trump and Hunter Biden claim they were treated unfairly targeted Justice Department for political reasons.
President Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden “love our son and we are very proud of who he is today.”
The first lady took the stand Monday to support her stepson, the first child of a sitting president to stand trial on criminal charges.
U.S. First Lady Jill Biden arrives at the federal courthouse on the opening day of the trial of U.S. President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden on criminal gun charges in Wilmington, Delaware, June 3, 2024.
Kevin Lamarque | Reuters
“As president, I will not and will not comment on pending federal cases, but as a father, I have infinite love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength,” Joe Biden said.
Hunter Biden faces a second trial on federal tax charges in September.
“Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he brought to recovery are inspiring to us,” the president said. “Many families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean.”
Hunter Biden’s history of drug use is at the center of the Delaware case.
“Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I will continue to support Hunter and our family with our love and support,” Biden said.
Trump’s historic conviction came on the same day that Biden, Hunter Biden and the first lady gathered to honor the president’s late son, Beau BidenIn 2015, it was the ninth anniversary of his death from brain cancer at the age of 46.
This is developing news. Please check back for updates.
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