Delaware, US

On Monday (June 3), jury selection was completed in the federal gun case against the US president Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden in Delaware. Hunter faces three counts for allegedly possessing a gun while using narcotics, a charge that he denies vehemently. Hunter appeared in the court on Monday, where he was accompanied by the first lady Jill Biden. Joe Biden released a statement ahead of the beginning of the trial.

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"I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today," he said. "Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us. A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean," Biden said.

The trial to last for two weeks

The trial, to be overseen by District Judge Maryellen Noreika, will last for two weeks. The charges against Hunter have been brought by special counsel David Weiss, a Trump appointee.

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As the jury selection process got underway, several potential candidates were dismissed by the judge for having strong personal opinions about gun ownership, the Justice Department or the Bidens.

During the trial, prosecutors say they plan to call at least 12 witnesses in connection with the case, including Hunter Biden’s ex-wife, Kathleen Buhle, and his late brother’s widow, Hallie Olivere Biden.

They are also expected to use his memoir “Beautiful Things” as evidence against him, as well as a summary of data from his phone and iPad.

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The three counts against Hunter Biden

In October 2018, Hunter Biden purchased a Colt Cobra revolver. According to two of the counts against him, he filled out a form stating he was not using illegal narcotics at that time. According to the third count, he used drugs and was in possession of a handgun. According to the indictment, Hunter Biden falsely and fictitiously stated on a federally mandated form “that he was not an unlawful user of, and addicted to, any stimulant,narcotic drug, and any other controlled substance."

(With inputs from agencies)