Biden accepts son Hunter’s guilty verdict

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday said he accepted the outcome of the case against his son Hunter, and would respect the judicial process as his son considers an appeal.

Hunter Biden, 54, was convicted by a jury on Tuesday of lying about his drug use to illegally buy a gun, becoming the first child of a sitting US president to be convicted of a crime.

A jury in Wilmington, Delaware, federal court found him guilty on all three counts against him in the case brought by US Department of Justice Special Counsel David Weiss, a Trump appointee.

In a statement on Tuesday, Joe Biden said: “As I said last week, I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery.

"As I also said last week, I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal. Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that.”

Weiss has also charged Hunter Biden with three felony and six misdemeanor tax offenses in California, alleging he failed to pay $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019 while spending millions on drugs, escorts, exotic cars and other high-ticket items.

Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to those charges. A trial is scheduled for Sept. 5 in Los Angeles. — Reuters