Biden embraces son Hunter after his felony conviction in airport photo op

President Biden staged a public show of support for his son Hunter at an airport photo op in Wilmington, Delaware, following Hunter’s conviction on three federal gun charges. The 81-year-old President made a midweek trip to Delaware, where he was greeted by Hunter, his wife Melissa Cohen, and their 4-year-old son Beau at the airport. The President hugged and spoke to Hunter in full view of the press pool before heading to his nearby home in Wilmington.

Hunter Biden, the first child of a sitting President to be convicted of a crime, was found guilty of illegally buying and possessing a firearm. He faces up to 25 years in prison but could receive probation. President Biden did not publicly address his son’s conviction but issued a written statement expressing his acceptance of the outcome and respect for the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.

The scandal-plagued son walked away from a probation-only plea deal last July, demanding broader immunity for past conduct, including alleged violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Evidence suggests that Joe Biden interacted with his family’s associates from various foreign business ventures, raising questions about his involvement.

No sentencing date has been set for Hunter’s gun case, but it is expected around September, coinciding with another trial for tax evasion. President Biden’s only public event on the day of his son’s conviction was a speech on gun control near the White House, calling for stricter penalties for firearm infractions. The White House press briefing was canceled following the guilty verdict.