Opening statements begin in Hunter Biden's trial in federal court
Hunter Biden's federal criminal trial kicks off today in Wilmington, Delaware, with opening statements expected from both the prosecution and the defense. The president's son faces charges linked to the possession of a firearm while using narcotics.

The trial begins promptly at 9 a.m. ET, with prosecutors from special counsel David Weiss' office presenting their case against Hunter Biden. The charges stem from allegations that Biden falsely claimed he was not using illegal drugs when purchasing a Colt Cobra revolver on October 12, 2018, and later possessed the firearm while under the influence of narcotics.

A jury of 12 members, comprising six men and six women, along with four alternates, was selected from a pool of over 60 potential jurors. The jury selection process revealed that at least 15 individuals had personal connections to substance abuse issues, highlighting the relevance and sensitivity of the trial's subject matter.


Hunter Biden, accompanied by his wife Melissa Cohen Biden and first lady Jill Biden, who celebrated her 73rd birthday on Monday, appeared in court for the proceedings. The support from family and friends is expected to continue throughout the trial, with a source indicating a "steady stream of family and friends" in attendance.


Prosecutors plan to call around 12 witnesses, including FBI Special Agent Erika Jensen, who will introduce key pieces of evidence. This includes text messages allegedly showing Biden's drug use around the time of the gun purchase. Among the messages is one from October 14, 2018, in which Biden reportedly wrote, "I was sleeping on a car smoking crack."

The defense, led by attorney Abbe Lowell, aims to challenge the prosecution's case by calling the owner of the gun shop and several expert witnesses. However, some of this testimony faces opposition from Weiss' office.

The indictment charges Biden with three counts tied to his gun purchase: two for making false statements on a federally mandated form and one for possessing a firearm while using a narcotic. Despite the charges, Biden has pleaded not guilty, setting the stage for a closely watched trial that puts the spotlight on issues of addiction and gun control.

The courtroom atmosphere is expected to be intense, with a mix of legal arguments and personal stories of substance abuse. As the trial unfolds, it promises to offer a deep dive into the complexities of addiction and its legal ramifications, especially given the high-profile nature of the defendant.
Credit: Washington Post