Jury selection begins in trial of US President Biden's son Hunter Biden over illegal firearm possession

Hunter Biden arrived at the courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware, accompanied by his sister Ashley Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, who were there to show their support.

Under the supervision of Judge Maryellen Noreika, who was appointed during the term of former President Donald Trump, prosecutors and defense attorneys are working to select the 12-member jury required for the trial from among citizens randomly summoned by the court system.

During jury selection, candidates are being screened through questions aimed at determining whether they hold any biases against the defendant or regarding the right to bear arms, and assessing their ability to make objective decisions based on evidence throughout and at the conclusion of the trial.

Once jury selection is complete, the trial of Hunter Biden will proceed with opening statements from both sides.

The President's son faces three separate charges related to illegally acquiring a firearm while he was a drug addict in 2018, possessing the weapon in violation of the law, and making false statements regarding his drug use during the purchase process, thereby violating federal law.

Biden had pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

If convicted, Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison.

"I AM A PRESIDENT, BUT I AM ALSO A FATHER"

In a written statement regarding the start of his son Hunter Biden's trial today, President Biden stated that he has "boundless love for his son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength."

Biden shared, "I am a President, but I am also a father. Jill and I love our son, and we are proud of the man he is today."

With the start of Hunter Biden's trial, for the first time in US history, the son of a sitting president will be standing trial in court due to charges against him.

Political observers assess that the trial of Hunter Biden, especially if he is found guilty, could negatively impact his father Joe Biden at the ballot box in the presidential election to be held on November 5.

The charges against Biden were brought last year by special counsel David Weiss, who was appointed by the Department of Justice to investigate the allegations against him.

HUNTER BIDEN IS ALSO ACCUSED OF TAX EVASION

Hunter Biden is also accused of evading 1.4 million dollars in taxes in California.

Reports surfaced last July that Biden had reached a plea deal with prosecutors covering both sets of charges, but the agreement later fell through after the parties could not reach a consensus on the details.

Republicans in the US Congress also criticize Hunter Biden for allegedly profiting from foreign business dealings by leveraging his father's political position.

The relevant committees in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives are investigating allegations regarding whether the President's family members improperly benefited from foreign business deals or used this policy for gain, as part of a multi-faceted impeachment inquiry into the US President, as well as claims that the Department of Justice improperly slowed down the tax investigation.

Republicans argue that the allegations against former President Donald Trump are being investigated with political motives, while conversely, Hunter Biden is being protected because of his father.

News Source: AA