Hunter Biden’s federal gun trial began with emotional testimony on Tuesday, as jurors heard excerpts from his memoir, “Beautiful Things,” detailing his struggles with addiction. Prosecutors revealed personal details about Hunter’s addiction, including his introduction of his brother’s widow, Hallie Biden, to crack cocaine. Hunter Biden is facing three felonies related to a revolver he purchased in October 2018, with prosecutors alleging he made false statements on a federal gun form about his drug use.
Prosecutors argued that Hunter Biden knew he was a drug addict when he purchased the gun, despite the form using the word “are” instead of “have you ever been.” FBI Special Agent Erika Jensen testified about Hunter’s text messages using coded language to conceal his drug use, as well as his significant cash withdrawals in the months leading up to the gun purchase. Hunter’s attorneys have pushed back, claiming that prosecutors must prove he was actively using drugs on the day he bought the gun, and noting his struggles with alcohol addiction as well.
The trial has drawn significant attention due to Hunter Biden’s status as the son of President Joe Biden, with first lady Jill Biden and other family members present during the emotional testimony. The gun in question was discarded by Hallie Biden in a trash can outside a grocery store, after being in Hunter’s possession for 11 days. Hunter’s attorneys have argued that his actions while possessing the gun were inconsistent with crack cocaine use, emphasizing the lack of questions about alcohol use on federal forms.
The trial continues with Hunter Biden’s attorneys cross-examining FBI Agent Jensen, who detailed Hunter’s alleged drug use through his text messages, memoir, and bank records. The authenticity of a laptop left behind by Hunter at a repair shop in Delaware, which contained evidence of addiction, has been a focal point of the prosecution’s case. Testimony has included messages about waiting for a drug dealer and smoking crack, as well as significant cash withdrawals by Hunter in the months leading up to the gun purchase.
As the trial unfolds, the defense and prosecution will continue to present their cases regarding Hunter Biden’s alleged false statements on the federal gun form. The emotional testimony and personal details revealed about Hunter’s addiction and family relationships have added a layer of complexity to the trial, which has garnered significant media attention. Hunter’s attorneys will continue to argue that the prosecution must prove he was actively using drugs on the day of the gun purchase, while prosecutors maintain that his knowledge of his addiction at the time is sufficient for the charges he faces.
