A jury was seated on Monday in the federal gun case against the president’s son, Hunter Biden. The legal proceedings seriously complicate Joe Biden’s re-election campaign while handing political grist to Republicans searching for a distracting issue in the wake of Donald Trump’s 34-count conviction last week. In a show of support, Jill Biden, the first lady, also arrived at the federal courthouse in Delaware where her stepson is facing trial.
In a statement, the president said that as a father he has “boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength”. By the end of the day, 12 jurors and four alternates had been selected, with opening statements expected to begin on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press. Prosecutors allege that Hunter Biden lied about his drug use on application forms when he purchased a handgun in 2018, while in the throes of addiction.
He has pleaded not guilty. In theory, he could face a hefty jail sentence, but it is widely seen as highly unlikely. “I am the president, but I am also a dad,” Biden said, noting that he would not comment further on the case.
The president’s youngest and only surviving son, Hunter Biden, has long struggled with drug addiction and a troubled private life, which is now at the center of the federal case. “Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today,” said Biden, known for his reputation as a close family man. “Hunter’s resilience in the face of advers.