President Biden changed plans Tuesday after learning his son Hunter was convicted on gun charges by a federal jury, opting to retreat to his Delaware estate where he is expected to be with the younger Biden instead of staying at the White House as previously scheduled.
The White House also canceled its daily press conference after the verdict was announced.
In a statement, Biden said he and his wife Jill “love our son” Hunter in his first comment since the younger Biden was found guilty of three counts related to deliberately lying about his crack cocaine addiction on a federal gun purchase form in order to buy a .38-caliber Colt Cobra revolver on Oct. 12, 2018.
President Biden has changed his plans and is going to Delaware after his son Hunter was convicted of federal gun charges. AP Photo/Evan Vucci
Biden boarding Marine One at Joint Base Andrews as he departs for Wilmington. REUTERS/Nathan Howard“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,” the 81-year-old commander-in-chief said.
The president will leave for Delaware after he delivers remarks about gun safety in the afternoon at Everytown’s Gun Sense University at the Washington Hilton, according to the White House.
Hunter, 54, faces up to 25 years in prison. His sentencing will come at a later date.
Hunter, 54, faces up to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of three counts related to deliberately lying. APThe president has stood in support of his son throughout the trial, stating last week that he and his wife loved their son and that they are “so proud of the man he is today.”
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“Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us,” the elder Biden added. “A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean.”
He stressed that “as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength.”
“Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us,” Biden said about his son. AP“Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I are going to continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support.”
Jill Biden, Hunter’s stepmother, attended every day of the Wilmington, Del. trial except one — missing June 6’s proceedings to fly to France to take part in commemorations of the 80th anniversary of D-Day alongside her husband.
However, Jill missed the verdict being read out in court Tuesday, apparently having been blindsided by the speed with which the panel made its decision.
