US President Joe Biden affirmed he will not pardon his son, Hunter Biden, if he is convicted in a firearms case, stating he would accept whatever outcome the trial may have.
Biden cleared the air during an interview with ABC News when asked directly about the possibility of a pardon and his acceptance of the trial results, to which he replied affirmatively.
The case against Hunter Biden centres on charges that he did not reveal his illegal drug use when acquiring a revolver in 2018, which he then possessed for 11 days. Legal documents highlight this omission, with potential penalties for offences up to 25 years. However, typical sentences for these crimes are generally shorter, according to the US Justice Department.
Hallie Biden, widow of Hunter’s late brother, Beau, testified in the trial. She recounted discovering the firearm in Hunter’s vehicle and described her immediate action to dispose of it, fearing for the safety of her family. She disposed of the gun in a grocery store’s trash can because she was concerned Hunter or her children might harm themselves with it.
Prosecutors argue that at the time of the gun purchase, Hunter was deeply addicted to crack cocaine and deceived a gun dealer by falsifying information regarding his drug use, thereby illegally acquiring and possessing the weapon.
Despite the accusations, Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty, contending that his prosecution is politically motivated, influenced by Republican adversaries.
