Hunter Biden Gun Trial: Inside the Opening Statements and Testimony

Hunter Biden's criminal trial for alleged false statements on a federal gun form commenced with opening statements and testimony from an FBI special agent, exposing details of Biden's drug addiction and the circumstances surrounding his gun purchase.

In the federal courthouse of Wilmington, Delaware, the trial of Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, commenced on Tuesday with gripping opening statements and testimony that shed light on the case's pivotal issues.

The prosecution, led by Assistant US Attorney David Weiss, laid out their case against Biden, alleging that he lied about his drug addiction on a federal form in order to acquire a Cobra Colt .38 revolver in October 2018. Evidence of Biden's substance abuse was presented through excerpts from his memoir, "Beautiful Things," in which he detailed his cocaine addiction and purchase of crack cocaine.

Biden's defense team, headed by attorney Christopher Lowell, countered by presenting a different narrative. They explained that Biden's purchase of the handgun was hastily influenced by gun shop employees who were eager to make a sale. Lowell emphasized that Biden's addiction at the time of the gun purchase was not an active addiction.

Jurors were presented with a range of evidence throughout the day, including text messages, metadata, photographs, and videos retrieved from Biden's phones and iCloud accounts. FBI Special Agent Erica Jensen testified about these digital records, which revealed Biden's ongoing drug use before, during, and after the gun purchase.

Prosecutor Weiss argued that the evidence demonstrates Biden's addiction, proving that he lied on the gun form. The defense, however, focused on whether Biden perceived himself to be in active addiction at the time of purchase.

The trial proceedings also highlighted the emotional toll on Biden's family. First Lady Jill Biden, along with Biden's sister Ashley and wife Melissa Cohen Biden, were present in court and showed signs of support.

The prosecution's witness list includes several significant figures, including Biden's ex-wife Kathleen Buhle, former romantic partner Hallie Biden, and gun shop employee Gordon Cleveland. Buhle's testimony is anticipated on Wednesday.

As the trial continues, both the prosecution and defense will present their cases, with the jury tasked with determining whether Biden lied on the federal gun form and whether he believed he was in active addiction at the time of his gun purchase.