Daily Mail reported that an audio clip of Joe Biden urging his son Hunter to seek help has surfaced as potential evidence in the trial.
Hunter Biden is on trial for allegedly lying about his drug addiction on a federal form to purchase a firearm in October 2018.
On October 15, 2018, Joe Biden left a voicemail for his son, urging him to get help for his addiction. This message was obtained from Hunter’s abandoned laptop and suggests that Joe Biden knew about his son’s struggles. The voicemail came just three days after Hunter allegedly lied on a federal form to buy a Colt Cobra .38 handgun.
Jury selection began this Monday for Hunter Biden’s trial on charges of lying about his sobriety on a Firearms Transaction Record. Prosecutors argue that Hunter committed three felonies by falsely stating he was not an addict to purchase the handgun. Hunter attended the opening day of his trial with his wife, Melissa Cohen.
Prosecutors plan to use texts and photos from Hunter’s laptop to prove his addiction at the time he signed the form. These materials include a picture of Hunter posing nude with a firearm and texts indicating his struggles with drug abuse. Hunter's memoir, "Beautiful Things," in which he describes being a crack addict, will also be used as evidence.
Hunter Biden bought the .38 revolver from Starquest Shooters in Delaware on October 12, 2018. Days later, his lover and brother's widow, Hallie Biden, disposed of the firearm in a supermarket trash can. The gun was later found by police, leading to questioning of the couple.
Joe Biden’s voicemail from October 15 is not listed in court filings but is in prosecutors’ possession. It may be used to support their case that Hunter knew he was an addict when he purchased the firearm. Joe Biden followed up with another voicemail on October 19, expressing concern for Hunter's well-being.
Joe Biden has previously claimed that his son did nothing wrong. In May 2023, he told MSNBC, "My son has done nothing wrong. I trust him. I have faith in him." Despite this, prosecutors believe the voicemail could be incriminating.
Prosecutors have hinted at using messages with family members if Hunter's defense argues he was unaware of his addiction.
These messages are seen as evidence of his knowledge of his addiction and use of crack. Hunter’s firearm report shows he answered "no" when asked if he was an unlawful user of controlled substances.
Joe Biden has paid tens of thousands for Hunter’s rehab treatments. His concern for his son's health and well-being is evident in the voicemails he left in October 2018. Despite Joe Biden’s public statements of support, the voicemails could complicate the trial.
Prosecutors are determined to prove that Hunter knowingly lied on the federal form. They argue that Hunter committed three felonies by falsely stating he was not an addict. The trial is being held in Wilmington, Delaware, the Bidens' home state and power base.
Joe Biden's advocacy for stricter gun regulations, including a 2022 bill expanding background checks, coincides with Hunter Biden's trial involving firearm disposal by Hallie Biden. The trial's complexity is heightened by personal family messages and voicemails, posing challenges for Hunter's defense team. The outcome could significantly impact Hunter and Joe Biden, highlighting broader issues of addiction, gun control, and public responsibilities.
