On Tuesday, Hunter Biden was found guilty of three felony gun charges, marking a significant moment in the eyes of Special Counsel David Weiss, who emphasized that “no one is above the law.”
Addressing the press after the verdict was delivered in a Delaware courthouse, Weiss, identifying himself as the Special Counsel, highlighted the convictions against Biden. “Hunter Biden was convicted of two counts of lying on a form submitted to a federal firearms dealer about his addiction or use of crack cocaine and possessing a firearm while a user or addict,” Weiss stated firmly.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution emphasized two key themes: the defendant’s illegal actions and the importance of upholding the rule of law. Weiss clarified that while addiction is a pervasive issue affecting many families, including Biden’s, the case centered on Biden’s unlawful decisions made while grappling with addiction. These decisions included falsifying information on a government form to purchase a firearm and subsequently possessing that firearm, actions that posed significant danger due to the combination of guns and drugs.
Weiss underscored the fundamental principle that no individual, regardless of status or background, is exempt from accountability under the law. He asserted that Biden should face consequences commensurate with any other citizen convicted of similar offenses. The prosecution remained steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and fulfilling its duties in federal prosecution.
Notably, Weiss had previously investigated Biden on identical charges during his tenure as a federal prosecutor. Initially, a plea deal seemed imminent, but alterations to the agreement’s language ultimately derailed it. This turn of events prompted Weiss to seek appointment as Special Counsel, enabling a more extensive investigation that culminated in Biden’s indictment.
My name is David Weiss. I am Special Counsel. Earlier today, Hunter Biden was convicted of two counts of lying on a form submitted to a federal firearms dealer about his addiction or use of crack cocaine and possessing a firearm while a user or addict. There have been two overarching themes emphasized by the prosecution during trial: this defendant’s illegal choices and the rule of law.
First, while there has been much testimony about the defendant’s abuse of drugs and alcohol, ultimately this case was not just about addiction, a disease that haunts families across the United States, including Hunter Biden’s family. This case was about the illegal choices Defendant made while in the throes of addiction, his choice to lie on a government form when he bought a gun, and the choice to then possess that gun. It was these choices and the combination of guns and drugs that made his conduct dangerous.
Second, no one in this country is above the law. Everyone must be accountable for their actions, even this defendant. However, Hunter Biden should be no more accountable than any other citizen convicted of this same conduct. The prosecution has been and will continue to be committed to this principle and to the principles of federal prosecution in carrying out its responsibilities.
