The President of the United States, Joe Biden, of the Democratic Party, declared this Tuesday (11) that he is “proud” of his son Hunter and that he will “accept any sentence” he receives after being convicted of three counts of buying and possessing illegal use of a firearm.
“I’m president, but I’m also a father. Jill and I love our son and we are very proud of the man he is today. Nothing will change that,” said the president in a statement released by the White House.
A jury in the state of Delaware on Tuesday convicted Hunter of three weapons-related crimes, concealing his drug addiction at the time of purchase. The charges, all federal, carry a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. The sentence has yet to be announced.
The trial, at which Hunter did not speak, began last week and is the first in the United States for the son of a sitting president.
Joe Biden issued an initial statement of support for Hunter and, in an interview with ABC News last Thursday, he ruled out the possibility of exercising his power to grant a pardon.
In his statement this Tuesday, he again adopted the same line.
“I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter contemplates an appeal. Jill and I have always stood by Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support.”
Hunter Biden is the son of the president’s first wife, the late Neilia Biden, and was accused of lying in October 2018 when he failed to admit to drug use on a form to buy a .38-caliber Colt Cobra revolver, which he kept for 11 days .
“Many families who have had loved ones struggle with addiction understand the feeling of pride in seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery,” the president added in his note.
The case could affect Joe Biden’s campaign in the November 5 presidential election, as Republicans, especially former president and pre-candidate Donald Trump, frequently mention it to target the Democrat’s campaign.
#Biden #reiterates #accept #Hunters #sentence