Hunter Biden's guilty verdict on gun charges has come as a shock to his camp, with ABC host Jonathan Karl describing it as a "clear blow" to his father, President Biden. Despite the President's recent statement of support and pledge not to pardon his son, Karl suggests that conversations within the Biden family and White House are likely taking place.
Hunter Biden's immediate orbit was "stunned" by the guilty verdict in his federal gun trial, according to ABC anchor Jonathan Karl. The verdict, which found Biden guilty of making false statements related to the purchase of a firearm, is seen as a major personal blow to President Biden.
Karl reported that a close friend of Hunter Biden's expressed disbelief with the guilty verdict, indicating that the inner circle had been confident in an acquittal or hung jury. The verdict is a challenge to President Biden's recent assertion that his son had done nothing wrong.
In addition to the gun charges, Hunter Biden also faces federal tax charges. Karl noted that while President Biden has pledged not to pardon his son, he has not ruled out the possibility of doing so in the future.
The jury in the gun trial deliberated for only three hours before reaching a verdict, determining that Hunter Biden lied on a registration document for purchasing a gun in 2018 by claiming he was not a drug user at the time. He faces up to 25 years in prison, although it is unlikely that he would receive such a severe sentence.
President Biden issued a statement after the verdict, expressing love and support for his son while acknowledging his struggles with addiction. He also stated that he would respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.
The guilty verdict has sparked reactions from both sides of the political aisle. Republicans have seized on the verdict to criticize President Biden, while Democrats have largely remained silent on the matter.
Legal experts suggest that Hunter Biden has strong grounds for an appeal, particularly regarding the issue of his drug use. The defense argued that Biden's false statement on the gun registration form was due to his addiction, not an intent to deceive.
The impact of the verdict on President Biden's re-election chances is still unknown. Some analysts believe it could damage his credibility, while others suggest that it may have little impact on voters.
The verdict has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the federal gun background check system. Experts argue that the case underscores the need for a more comprehensive and effective system to prevent individuals from purchasing firearms illegally.
Overall, the guilty verdict in Hunter Biden's gun trial has sent shockwaves through his inner circle and dealt a blow to President Biden. The case has sparked conversations about accountability, addiction, and the role of the President in relation to his family. As the legal process continues, the long-term consequences of the verdict remain to be seen.
