WILMINGTON, Del. (CN) — A 12-person jury on Tuesday convicted Hunter Biden on all three counts against him following his federal gun trial.
The first child of a sitting president to face charges, Hunter Biden was found guilty of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, lying on a federal form and possessing a gun while using or being addicted to a controlled substance.
"Ultimately, this case was not just about addiction — a disease that haunts families across the United States, including Hunter Biden's family," said special counsel David Weiss, who brought the charges against Hunter Biden, shortly after the verdict was announced. "This case was about the illegal choices defendant made while in the throes of addiction, his choice to lie on a federal form when he bought a gun and the choice to then possess that gun. It was these choices, and the combination of guns and drugs, that made his conduct dangerous."
Weiss also reiterated that "no one is above the law," adding that "Hunter Biden should be no more accountable than any other citizen convicted of this same conduct."
Following his conviction, Hunter Biden released a statement expressing gratitude for those close to him — including his wife, Melissa Cohen, who sat in on the entirety of his trial.
"I am more grateful today for the love and support I experienced this last week from Melissa, my family, my friends, and my community than I am disappointed by the outcome," he wrote. "Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time."
Hunter Biden's lead defense attorney Abbe Lowell wrote that he and Biden's team are "naturally disappointed" by the guilty verdict but respect the jury process and will pursue all legal challenges that are available, as they have throughout the case.
"Through all he has been through in his recovery, including this trial, Hunter has felt grateful for and blessed by the love and support of his family," Lowell said.
President Joe Biden expressed his support for his son in a statement following the verdict.
"Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today," he said. "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 president added that he "will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal."
Following the verdict, White House officials said the president would spend the evening in Delaware to be with Hunter Biden and other family members.
Verdict announced in court
Hunter Biden stared at the jury with wide eyes as the verdict was read Tuesday morning by a court employee. Following the verdict, Hunter Biden smiled at his defense attorney before embracing him, then kissed his wife, Melissa Cohen, before leaving the courtroom.
First Lady Jill Biden was not in the courtroom when the verdict was read, but was seen hurriedly entering the courthouse after proceedings adjourned. Hunter Biden, Jill Biden and Cohen left the courthouse and drove away together at about 11:35 a.m.
U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika set a tentative sentencing date for 120 days from Tuesday. Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison, although legal experts say several factors — including his lack of prior convictions and yearslong sobriety — will likely result in a shorter sentence.
Prosecutors say Hunter Biden lied about his drug use on a federal form when he purchased a Colt Cobra .38 special revolver on Oct. 12, 2018, at a gun shop north of Wilmington.