Trial Kicks Off in Hunter Biden Case

(LibertyInsider.org) – Hunter Biden’s trial on federal gun charges is officially underway. US District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika initiated jury selection on May 3, but the initial process of seating all 12 individuals was finished by the end of the day.

The court had already interviewed a total of 56 potential jurors from the initial pool by Monday afternoon. Only 17 people met the qualifications to serve. Nearly all of the others assessed were excused for conflicts of interest, issues with remaining impartial, or issues with timing, such as upcoming medical appointments or having to care for a child.

BREAKING: Jury selected in Hunter Biden's federal gun crime trialhttps://t.co/xAty2mSeqH

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Several potential jurors self-disclosed strong opinions about the case, gun laws, the Biden administration, the government, or Hunter Biden. At least one man said he had a direct connection to the Biden family, noting that he and Beau Biden once played a squash tournament together. He was also excused.

At around 4 p.m., the court announced that it had identified enough qualified candidates to proceed. At this stage, the defense and prosecution typically have the right to use their allotted peremptory strikes to dismiss any juror without prejudice. It wasn’t immediately clear if they exercised those rights in advance of the court swearing in the full 12-person jury, plus five alternates, at 4:20 p.m.

Hunter Biden stands accused of lying about his status as a drug user on a firearms purchase form in 2018. Federal law bars unlawful drug users from buying guns. Biden, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges in 2023. His lawyers were expected to argue that the case is politically motivated and that he did not break the law by buying the firearm. Opening statements and witness testimony began on May 4.

This case is just one of Hunter Biden’s two ongoing legal battles. He is also scheduled for a trial in September on separate charges related to his business dealings in the US and overseas.