Wednesday Briefing

Hunter Biden with Jill Biden, the first lady, and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden.Credit…Haiyun Jiang for The New York Times

Hunter Biden guilty on gun charges

Hunter Biden, son of the president, was found guilty on three felony counts related to his lying about his illegal drug use when he bought a gun in 2018. The verdict is a shattering blow to the Biden family in the middle of an unforgiving presidential campaign.

The maximum sentence is up to 25 years in prison, but federal sentencing guidelines call for a fraction of that penalty. No sentencing date was set.

Here’s some background on the charges, and five takeaways from the conviction.

Biden’s gun case is widely regarded as the least serious of the two federal indictments brought against him last year. He still faces tax charges stemming from his yearslong crack cocaine, alcohol and spending binge.

Context: The trial made public Biden’s addiction, reckless behavior and ruinous spending — narrated by three former romantic partners, including the widow of his brother, Beau Biden. Politically, Biden’s conviction undercuts an argument made by Donald Trump’s campaign and his allies that the justice system is rigged against him.

President Biden’s reaction: “I am the president, but I am also a dad,” Biden, who has vowed that he will not pardon his son, said in a statement. “I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.”