Edited By
RUTH BROWN
Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year]
Federal prosecutors in Hunter Biden’s gun trial have spent hours showing jurors evidence of his drug problem, seeking to reveal through his own words and writing the depth of his addiction to show it was still going on when, they say, he lied on a form to buy a firearm. First Lady Jill Biden is in court again today to support her son.
Cross-examination of Jensen is over
Prosecutor Derek Hines is now doing redirect questioning.
Judge sidebars with attorneys
The sidebar came after the prosecution objected to Lowell asking Jensen whether the gun purchase form filled out by Hunter Biden on Oct. 12 was the same form provided to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on Oct. 26, after authorities began investigating the discovery of the gun in a trash bin.
The defense has argued that employees at the guns store made two revisions to the form filled out by Biden before providing a copy to the ATF.
After the sidebar, Lowell proceeded with questioning Jensen.
Hunter’s lawyer questions FBI agent about text messages
Hunter Biden’s attorney Abbe Lowell is cross-examining Erika Jensen, an FBI agent who is testifying about messages and receipts law enforcement pulled from his devices. Earlier, Lowell pointed out several liquor store purchases by Hunter in October 2018, the month he bought the gun. Lowell has suggested that references in Hunter Biden’s book to “relapsing” refer to alcohol abuse, not drug use.
Lowell asked Jensen about text message exchanges that prosecutors say show evidence of Hunter Biden’s drug use in 2018 and 2019. Lowell pointed to a November 2018 text to Hallie Biden — Beau Biden’s widow, with whom Hunter Biden had a relationship after his brother’s death — in which Hunter confessed: “I’m a drunk.”
Lowell also questioned Jensen about bank statements showing withdrawals of large sums of money from Hunter Biden’s bank accounts. Prosecutors have suggested that he made the cash withdrawals in order to buy drugs. Lowell implied through his questioning that Hunter spent the money on rent and other living expenses, drug treatment, alimony, tuition for his children, and helping family members with their finances.
Recapping the first day of testimony
First lady Jill Biden departs from federal court, Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The first day of testimony in the case dredged up painful memories for the president and his family, and revealed new and highly personal details about some of their struggles with addiction as the 2024 election looms. For part of the day, the first lady watched from the front row of the courtroom.
What’s the Hunter Biden trial about?
Hunter Biden arrives at federal court, Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Hunter Biden has been charged with three felonies stemming from the purchase of the Colt revolver when he was, according to his memoir, addicted to crack. He has been accused of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application by saying he was not a drug user and illegally having the gun for 11 days.