By Jerald Jimenez
Jun 10, 2024, 12:36 PM EDT
Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, who faces serious charges for the purchase of a handgun in October 2018, has decided not to testify in his own defense. His lawyers announced the decision in court Monday, marking a milestone in the trial that has captured the nation’s attention.
The defense rested during Monday morning’s hearing after FBI Special Agent Erika Jensen was called back to the stand to review text messages presented last week. The defense questioned the accuracy of the location data and pointed out gaps in the available information. Likewise, they pointed out inconsistencies in Hunter’s narrative of actions when he was allegedly committing the crime.
Hunter Biden’s legal team called several witnesses on Friday, including his daughter Naomi Biden, but after a weekend of deliberations, the defense decided not to call Hunter to testify. The jury received instructions from the judge late in the day, and closing arguments are expected to begin later this afternoon.
The Biden family, including first lady Jill Biden, her daughter Ashley Biden, the first lady’s sister, and the president’s siblings Valerie and Jimmy Biden, continued to show their support for Hunter in court. However, President Biden did not attend the trial, although he was in Wilmington this morning.
In total, the president’s son faces three serious charges stemming from the purchase of a revolver in October 2018. Two of the charges are related to allegations that he made false statements on a federal weapons form in connection with his drug use. The third charge is for allegedly illegally possessing the gun for 11 days before Hallie Biden found it and discarded it, crimes to which she has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors allege he was addicted to crack cocaine during a period in which he certified that he was not a user or addict of any controlled substance.
With information from CBS News