WILMINGTON, Del. - The Biden family, including First Lady Jill Biden, has supported Hunter Biden's felony gun trial. Alongside Jill Biden, Hunter's wife Melissa Cohen Biden, and his sister, Ashley Biden, are present for the commencement of proceedings.

"Jill and I love our son, and we are immensely proud of the man he has become," stated President Joe Biden on Monday. "Hunter’s resilience in the face of challenges and the fortitude he has shown in his recovery journey are truly inspiring to us."

Though President Biden isn't personally attending, he adjusted his schedule to be in Wilmington for the trial's opening day.

Hunter Biden's trial follows closely on the heels of former President Donald Trump's recent conviction for falsifying business records in New York, and amidst the dramatic unraveling of a plea agreement with federal investigators last year.

Biden is confronting three felony charges related to allegations of falsifying information on a federal gun form in 2018, specifically regarding his reported drug addiction status.

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The trial is anticipated to delve into the extent of Biden's drug consumption and trace a peculiar sequence of events that culminated in the disposal of the gun in a trash can at a Delaware convenience store.

Stay tuned to the live coverage provided by the TODAY US NEWS 24 Network as jury selection commences.

Hallie Biden, Lunden Roberts, and Kathleen Buhle may be called to testify.

Potential witnesses may encompass Hunter Biden's former spouse, Kathleen Buhle, along with Lunden Roberts, the mother of his youngest daughter. Additionally, Hallie Biden, the widow of Beau Biden, is anticipated to give testimony. Hallie and Hunter Biden entered a relationship subsequent to Beau Biden's passing.

What is the anticipated duration of the trial?


Hunter Biden's trial for federal gun charges in Wilmington, Delaware, is projected to extend beyond two weeks.

According to federal prosecutors' court filings, they intend to introduce photographs, testimony, and messages indicating that Hunter Biden was using illegal drugs when he purchased the gun and failed to disclose this information as mandated on a federal gun purchase form.

Prosecutors have additionally stated their potential use of information obtained from Hunter Biden's phone, iCloud account, and the controversial laptop reportedly left at a repair store. This could include photos depicting Hunter Biden smoking crack and text messages arranging meetings with illicit drug suppliers.

– Reuters

More: Hunter Biden emerges into public scrutiny: Discover the pivotal role the president's son is set to play in 2024

The son of the president is charged with three firearms felonies.

In October 2018, Hunter Biden entered a gun shop north of Wilmington, Delaware, and purchased a revolver. Buyers of firearms are obligated to complete a standardized form that inquires whether they are unlawful users or addicted to controlled substances, narcotics, or other specified substances. Biden is accused of answering "no" to this question on the form.

However, Biden has been candid about his enduring battles with crack cocaine addiction. He has detailed his struggles in his 2021 memoir, "Beautiful Things," and disclosed them during a court proceeding last year, asserting he has remained sober since 2019.



If found guilty, Biden could potentially face up to 25 years behind bars, though it's common for first-time and non-violent offenders to receive shorter sentences.

– Xerxes Wilson

More: Hunter Biden grapples with the definition of an addict as his gun trial approaches

Explore the inquiries lawyers will pose to prospective jurors for Hunter Biden's trial.

Here are the 47 questions potential jurors will face as Judge Maryellen Noreika seeks twelve impartial Delaware residents to serve on Hunter Biden's federal gun trial. The questionnaire delves into the heart of the unique case involving the president's son, drug addiction, and firearms. Some of the questions include:

- Do you believe Robert Hunter Biden is being prosecuted in this case because his father is the President of the United States and a candidate for President?
- Do you hold any strong negative views about past users of controlled substances, narcotics, or alcohol?
- Have you or a close family member ever purchased a firearm (including a handgun, pistol, automatic rifle, hunting rifle, or other)?

The judge initiates the interrogation of prospective jurors.

U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika commenced the interrogation of potential jurors in Hunter Biden's trial concerning gun charges, outlining guidelines for participation in the proceedings, which include refraining from reading media coverage.

Her objective is to select 12 jurors and four alternates.

Noreika is inquiring whether potential jurors can objectively evaluate the evidence presented in the case. Questions encompass whether they have any acquaintances involved in the case and general inquiries about their opinions on politics, law enforcement, and matters related to addiction.

Jurors who respond "yes" to any of the screening questions will undergo further questioning by the judge. These interviews are currently underway. From the initial pool of 50 potential jurors, only one did not respond "yes" to any screening questions, indicating that this process will likely be time-consuming.



As Hunter's trial begins, President Joe Biden supports his son.

President Joe Biden released a statement on Monday expressing his support for his son as Hunter Biden's federal gun trial commences.

“Jill and I love our son, and we are incredibly proud of the person he has become,” stated Joe Biden. “Hunter’s perseverance in overcoming challenges and the courage he has shown in his journey to recovery serve as a source of inspiration for us.”

Joe Biden emphasized that, as president, he wouldn't comment on ongoing federal cases. Nevertheless, he expressed his confidence in his son and his deep respect for him.

"We've faced numerous challenges as a family, and Jill and I remain steadfast in offering our love and support to Hunter and our entire family," Joe Biden affirmed.

Hunter Biden is also confronted with a civil trial involving his former spouse concerning alimony.

Hunter Biden isn't solely grappling with extensive legal issues related to gun and tax charges. According to Axios, last week, a Washington court determined that in 2021, he violated an agreement with his ex-wife Kathleen Buhle. At that time, he was indebted to her for more than $1.7 million in legal fees, spousal support, and additional expenses from their 2017 divorce.

Subsequently, the legal dispute between Buhle and Biden has persisted, with her legal representatives contending that he still owes her millions.

Hunter Biden's family remains tightly knit as his federal trial unfolds.

Hunter Biden's family stood by him as he faced trial for federal gun charges, with President Biden staying in Wilmington overnight on Sunday ahead of Monday's commencement of jury selection.

Accompanied by his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, Hunter arrived at court hand in hand. His mother, Jill, and sister, Ashley, arrived separately. The charges against Hunter Biden stem from allegations that he provided false information on a federal form and to a gun dealer when purchasing a firearm in 2018, with his past drug use being a central aspect of the case.

The two courtroom benches positioned behind Hunter Biden and his defense team, where Jill and Ashley Biden were seated, were occupied before the jury entered the courtroom.

In contrast to another high-profile trial, that of former President Donald Trump in New York, the Biden family provided notable support. Trump was convicted on Thursday of falsifying business records to conceal his involvement in a hush money payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.

While Trump's wife Melania, daughter Ivanka, and son Barron did not attend the six-week trial, his sons Donald Junior and Eric were occasional attendees, and his daughter Tiffany Trump appeared during closing arguments.



The Hunter Biden trial is searching for jurors with no ties to his prominent family.

As the jury selection process initiates in Hunter Biden’s federal gun trial, a significant hurdle will be locating jurors who lack any association with the first family in the First State.

"Getting a jury like that won't be easy," remarked Dori Jacobson, a resident of Greenville residing not far from President Biden's home.

Hunter Biden's father, President Joe Biden, has maintained a significant presence over decades, serving as a senator and later as vice president. While potential jurors won't be questioned about encounters at Pep Boys, attending services at St. Joseph on the Brandywine, or observing his grandchildren's flag football games, inquiries about connections to the family will be made.

The seventh question on the jury selection document reads: "Are you, any member of your immediate family, or close friends acquaintances with Robert Hunter Biden or any member of his family?

Hunter Biden enters the federal courthouse for his trial concerning gun charges.

Hunter Biden made his arrival at approximately 8:10 a.m. on Monday for the commencement of his trial on federal gun charges.

Key Moment in the Trial: Was Hunter Biden sober on October 12, 2018?

A significant aspect of Hunter Biden’s trial will center around a particular day in October 2018, when he purchased a .38 Special revolver from a Delaware gun store and indicated "No" on a federal gun form's inquiry about drug addiction or drug use.

The federal form inquired: “Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance?”

"At the heart of the matter lies Mr. Biden’s interpretation of the question," his attorney Abbe Lowell recently conveyed to the court. "Someone like Mr. Biden, who had recently completed an 11-day rehabilitation program and subsequently lived with a sober companion, could reasonably believe he was not presently using or addicted."


Several drug treatment professionals informed USA TODAY that they wouldn't deem a patient as cured of addiction after only 11 days of treatment. However, they noted that an individual who had recently completed treatment might perceive themselves as sober.

More: Hunter Biden trial: The pivotal aspect of his gun case rests on one crucial day when drug use wasn't involved.

Journalists arrive early for the Hunter Biden trial.

By 6:45 am, a dozen reporters had formed a line outside the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building in downtown Wilmington in anticipation of the commencement of Hunter Biden’s federal gun trial this week.

Jury selection is slated to begin today, with proceedings scheduled at 8:30 a.m. local time.

Near the court, three tents had been erected for broadcast stations. A noticeable police presence was observed, with several police cars stationed along North King Street, which runs adjacent to the building.

A Department of Homeland Security dog was seen walking up and down the line of reporters, inspecting their bags.

Boggs, the building’s namesake, was a former Republican governor who narrowly lost his Senate seat to Joe Biden in a tight race in 1972.

Judge rules: No second gun form will be allowed at trial.

U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika ruled on Sunday that Hunter Biden will not be permitted to introduce a second federal form during his trial on charges related to the alleged illegal purchase and possession of a gun while addicted to drugs.

The son of the president is accused of falsifying information on the form and providing false information to the gun dealer regarding his drug use when he acquired a .38-caliber pistol in 2018 and possessed it for 11 days.

On the initial form submitted to federal authorities shortly after purchasing the firearm, Biden marked an X next to a question inquiring about his use of narcotics or addiction to them. The second version of the form was submitted to investigators in 2021 with additional information indicating that Biden submitted his vehicle registration when purchasing the gun, which court statements suggest may not have been accurate.

Biden's attorney, Abbe Lowell, sought to question the gun shop owner about the second form, contending that it was inaccurately filled out, which constitutes the charge against Biden. However, prosecutors argued that the second form is "irrelevant" and would cause confusion among jurors. Noreika concurred and prohibited the form from being presented at trial, in one of two rulings against the defense issued on Sunday.


Judge excludes defense expert on drug addiction from trial.

U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika rejected testimony from one of Hunter Biden’s proposed expert witnesses, whom the defense aimed to provide insight into the perceptions of individuals struggling with drug addiction.

Defense attorneys aimed to present Elie Aoun, an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry, to discuss how individuals who have undergone rehabilitation programs may deny their addiction and perceive themselves as no longer addicted upon completing the program.

However, Noreika excluded the witness on Sunday, in one of two rulings against the defense, citing the defense's failure to adequately explain to prosecutors the expert opinions Aoun would provide.

Additionally, Biden’s defense sought testimony from Michael Coyer, a forensic toxicologist, to address various matters, including a white residue found on a brown leather gun pouch that tested positive for cocaine years after it was seized by police. Noreika ruled that she would hear from Coyer privately before determining whether to permit his testimony in front of the jury.

Who is Hunter Biden, exactly?

Could Hunter Biden face imprisonment?

While the charges carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison, Biden is anticipated to receive a shorter sentence if convicted. It's uncommon for first-time offenders like Biden to receive the maximum sentence.