The National Rifle Association (NRA) spoke out on Tuesday regarding the federal gun trial against Hunter Biden.
A Delaware jury found Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, guilty of three felony gun charges Tuesday morning. Prosecutors accused him of lying about his status as a drug user when purchasing a firearm in 2018. Section 922(g)(3) of the United States Code states it is against the law for anyone who is an “unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” to possess a firearm.
In a statement to Newsweek on Tuesday, Randy Kozuch, executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), said, “The National Rifle Association has always stood for the lawful use and possession of firearms. Mr. Biden’s documented lifestyle choices at the time of purchasing a firearm made him a prohibited person under current law.”
Hunter Biden, 54, pleaded not guilty to the charges and has maintained his innocence. He could face up to 10 years in prison on the first count, five years on the second and 10 years on the third. The sentencing date is pending.
National Rifle Association (NRA) President Charles Cotton speaks on May 18 in Dallas, Texas. Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, is pictured in the inset on June 3 in Wilmington, Delaware. The NRA on Tuesday spoke out on the verdict in Hunter Biden’s gun trial.
Justin Sullivan/Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
The verdict against President Biden’s son was delivered after only three hours of deliberation. Less than two weeks ago, former President Donald Trump, the president’s likely foe in November’s presidential election, was convicted in a New York hush money case. He has also maintained his innocence and said he will appeal the verdict.
In a statement, Karoline Leavitt, Trump campaign national press secretary, responded to the guilty verdict in Hunter Biden’s trial, saying, “This trial has been nothing more than a distraction from the real crimes of the Biden Crime Family, which has raked in tens of millions of dollars from China, Russia and Ukraine. Crooked Joe Biden’s reign over the Biden Family Criminal Empire is all coming to an end on November 5th, and never again will a Biden sell government access for personal profit.”
In a post-verdict statement to Newsweek, Hunter Biden said, “I am more grateful today for the love and support I experienced this last week from Melissa, my family, my friends, and my community than I am disappointed by the outcome.”
Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, shared a statement with Newsweek: “We are naturally disappointed by today’s verdict. We respect the jury process, and as we have done throughout this case, we will continue to vigorously pursue all the legal challenges available to Hunter. Through all he has been through in his recovery, including this trial, Hunter has felt grateful for and blessed by the love and support of his family.”
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.