This is a live post — updates will be posted below.
WILMINGTON, Delaware — Townhall is reporting live from inside the federal courthouse where Hunter Biden is being tried on federal firearm offenses. We're in Biden's backyard as the First Son faces felony charges of deceiving a federally licensed firearms dealer, lying on a federal background check form to illegally buy a gun, and unlawfully possessing that firearm.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
(Here's an explainer deep diving into all the evidence introduced against Hunter Biden thus far.)
Today, the trial kicks off with jury selection starting at 8:30 a.m. The jury pool — consisting of approximately 250 people — will be whittled down until a jury of 12 and four alternates are ultimately selected. This time-consuming process will likely take days. Overall, the trial is now estimated to last until Friday, June 14, but jury deliberations could stretch the timeframe further.
Due to limited seating in the courtroom, given the large pool of potential jurors, the press and members of the public are not allowed to be present during the reading of the voir dire questions. Once the entire jury pool has been escorted out and those who have answered "Yes" to any of the voir dire questions are brought back into the courtroom individually for additional questioning, spectators may enter and observe for the remainder of questioning as well as the peremptory striking period.
Among the 47 voir dire questions proposed by the court, prospective jurors will be asked:
- Have you heard or read anything about this case or the investigation from the news, social media, or any other source?
- Have you formed any opinions about this case that would prevent you from being a fair and impartial juror?
- Are you, your immediate relatives, or close friends acquaintances with Hunter Biden or any member of the Biden family?
- Do you believe that all people should be permitted by law to buy or possess a firearm regardless of whether they have been or are a user of a controlled substance or addicted to a controlled substance? (Hunter Biden is accused of being both.)
- Do you believe that the government should not be able to require a background check for a gun purchase?
- Do you have any strong views about gun ownership in this country, the gun lobby, or the Second Amendment?
- If you were eligible to vote in any election(s) in which President Joe Biden was a candidate, would that fact prevent you from maintaining an open and impartial mind until all of the evidence is presented and the instructions of the court are given?
- Do you believe Hunter Biden is being prosecuted in this federal gun case because his father is the president of the United States and a candidate for U.S. president? Likewise, do you believe Hunter Biden is not being prosecuted for other crimes because his father is the president of the United States and a candidate for U.S. president?
- Do you disagree that the law should apply equally to all, including the son of the president?
- Have you, a family member, or a close friend ever suffered from drug or alcohol abuse or been addicted in any way?
- Have you, any member of your family, or a close friend ever sought treatment, such as professional counseling, entered a rehabilitation program, go to Alcoholics Anonymous, or tried other forms of addiction treatment or therapy?
- Do you have any strong negative views about past users of controlled substances, narcotics, or alcohol?
- Do you believe someone who is addicted to drugs should not be charged with a crime?
In response, both parties jointly submitted a court filing Thursday that included any corrections or objections.
The defense asked that the word "knowingly" be added to Questions 2i. and 2ii., which specify Hunter Biden's charges of making a false statement in the sale of a firearm and making a false statement on a firearms transaction record. Hunter Biden's defense attorneys are heavily relying on the argument that he didn't "knowingly" lie when he answered "No" to the question of whether he was an addict or user of a controlled substance, i.e. crack cocaine. The defense insists Hunter Biden didn't understand exactly what those terms meant at the time he filled out the form and truly believed he wasn't either one in the "present tense."
"The terms 'user' or 'addict' are not defined on the form and were not explained to him," the defense disputed.
"Words sometimes are understood to have different meanings to different people..." Hunter Biden's lawyers wrote, raising a good-faith defense that he acted honestly, even if he was mistaken or misunderstood the question. "It does not matter whether you or Congress or anyone else would define the defendant as an 'addict' or 'user of controlled substances,' if Mr. Biden did not understand that he was an 'addict' or 'user' [...] he did not knowingly break the law then either and he must be found not guilty."
Hunter Biden's legal team has argued he is being unfairly targeted because of his famous father while critics say he's getting off easy due to who his dad is. The questions concerning the presidential elections could significantly cut down the jury pool.
Judge Maryellen Noreika, who's presiding over the proceedings, gets the final say on which questions are asked.
LIVE UPDATES
8:50 a.m. — Voir dire questioning is about to begin.
8:55 a.m. — During a test of the court's system to transmit courtroom audio and video to a press overflow room, an anti-Biden campaign ad being broadcast on Fox Business Network plays aloud, eliciting a chuckle from observers. Audio completely cuts out for a bit, outraging some in the press room.
9:00 a.m. — The court wheels a new TV into the press pod, and it works!
9:10 a.m. — Some media (including Townhall) and the public are now heading into the courtroom. Hunter Biden is looking around at those entering. First Lady Jill Biden is two rows behind him.
9:15 a.m. — Jurors are filing into the courtroom.
9:30 a.m. — Hunter's defense team asks the judge if one voir dire question could be rephrased to: "Can you be fair and impartial?" as opposed to "...find the defendant guilty?" Judge Noreika agree to the change.
12:00 p.m. — Here's what we know about the jurors in the pool so far:
Juror #1
- 38-year-old man
- listens to a Baltimore radio station for news
- "That would be me, your honor," he says when asked by the judge who in his family was involved in prior criminal proceedings (a misdemeanor in Delaware)
- also arrested in 2008 for misdemeanor possession of marijuana and served 14 days in jail
- "Not a gun aficionado," he says, adding he believes owning a firearm is a "God-given right"
- owns a firearm for hunting
- says his extended family is "2A-savvy"
- doesn't know if he can be impartial
- stricken for cause
Juror #2
- young woman
- watched Good Morning America's coverage of the Hunter Biden case and connected the dots to her jury summons
- primarily watches CNN and MSNBC
- donated to Hillary Clinton and volunteered as a canvasser for her 2008 campaign
- says she'd be able to find the son of the sitting Democrat president guilty
- "I don't see any relation."
Juror #3
- woman
- her sister committed credit card fraud as well as served time for a drug conviction but is "currently clean"
Juror #4
- woman
- has a scheduling conflict as the primary caretaker and breadwinner for her family and can't take two weeks off for the trial
- bought a handgun 10 years ago from Cabela's
Juror #5
- woman
- retired from U.S. Secret Service after 24 years
- negotiated contracts in the D.C.-based job
- was once an alternate juror in Maryland but never deliberated
Juror #6
- woman
- mother of three young children
- unable to be at the courthouse by 9:00 a.m. as required every day
- planning to go on vacation soon
- has heard "data was removed from [Hunter's] computer"
- her father has several guns
- says gun laws "aren't strong enough" and wants more
- "Politicians care more about money than protecting us," she says
- her brother struggles with an opioid addiction but is recovering in rehab
- judge overrules objections citing juror's "emphatic" statement she "could be fair"
Juror #7
- woman
- answered "yes" to several voir dire questions
Juror #8
- man
- wearing a mask
- works at a nighttime clinic that's currently short-staffed
- excused from the jury because patients wouldn't get proper care in his absence
Juror #9
- man
- self-employed carpenter
- says any time off to serve on the jury would "bankrupt" him
- excused due to lack of availability
Juror #10
- woman
- boyfriend struggles with drug addiction but isn't using right now
Juror #11
- man
- his father is a police officer
- says he "cannot be fair and impartial"
- swiftly excused
Juror #12
- man
- has a dentist appointment on June 12, says it wouldn't be a "hardship" to reschedule
- worked in a school chemistry lab
- has researched the case against Hunter on YouTube and CNN
- used to work at Rite-Aid
- was called as a juror 11 years ago but did not serve
Juror #13
- man
- father of three kids finishing school on June 14
- his wife recently had surgery
- says family member could watch kids if necessary
- has watched news coverage of Hunter's gun case and knows who's involved by not details
Juror #14
- woman
- knew Hunter was facing a trial
- mentioned Biden's re-election campaign
- said her opinion was "not a good one" when asked by prosecutors
Juror #15
- middle-aged man
- says he knows the "highlights" of the case
- mentioned politically motivated prosecutions
- became emotional about his personal connection to drug addiction
Juror #16
- woman
- has heard about the case "in general"
- her mother owns a firearm
- isn't familiar with the background check forms at issue in this trial
- knew drugs were "involved" in the case
Juror #17
- woman
- said "yes" to the question on acquaintance with the Biden family or allies
- was a bartender who served John T. Owens — husband of President Biden's younger sister Valerie Biden Owens — "on and off" at the Two Stones Pub in Kinnett Square
Juror #18
- woman
- has a conflicting doctor appointment and an upcoming beach vacation
- she doesn't "dig into" the details of the case
- was once investigated by the FBI regarding a background check
- deals with drug addicts as a hospital patient care technician
- excused due to schedule conflicts
Juror #19
- woman
- previously served on juries, one for an assault case and another involving a firearm - both ended with guilty verdicts
- family members own firearms
Juror #20
- man
- currently job hunting, has interviews lined up that could pose a schedule conflict
- sees issues with the history of federal law enforcement agencies
- has attended Alcoholics Anonymous
- previously pled guilty to a DUI
Juror #21
- woman
- did not answer "yes" to any voir dire questions
Juror #22
- middle-aged man
- attending a funeral later this week
- vacation scheduled during trial
- has heard "negative things" about Biden getting a "fair trial"
Juror #23
- middle-aged man
- background in chemistry
- teaching summer classes that are starting soon
- worries about language barrier / missing pieces of testimony
Juror #24
- middle-aged woman
- watches CNN, MSNBC, Fox News
- has strong feelings about firearms and ownership
- heard Hunter tried to "strike a bargain" on his firearm and tax charges
- previously worked in a public defender's office as a paralegal
- supports background checks
- says there are certain guns that not everyone should be allowed to have
- insists she can be fair and impartial
- the prosecution's objection to the defense's request to strike was overruled
- excused by the judge
Juror #25
- middle-aged man
- former police officer
- needs to care for his post-operative wife this week
- gets news from CNN and Fox News
- is an acquaintance of First Lady Jill Biden
- has met President Joe Biden
- served as a witness in multiple cases while in law enforcement
- recently donated to the Republican National Committee
- cites Trump cases as examples of political prosecution but can "absolutely" put politics aside
- the defense tells the judge "I won't persuade you he should be stricken for cause, I'll just make a note"
Juror #26
- man
- watches CNN and MSNBC and uses X (formerly Twitter) for news
- has a concealed carry permit
- owner of multiple firearms for personal protection
- says "Every law-abiding citizen should be able to exercise their Second Amendment rights"
Juror #27
- woman
- husband is a police officer in another state
- her parents underwent in-patient treatment when she was younger
- says drug addiction is "a disease"
Juror #28
- middle-aged man
- reads Delaware Online
- family members own firearms
- has read articles about Hunter's gun being tossed in the trash at a grocery store but says "I don't pay attention to the news" and is "not interested" — drawing laughs from reporters in the gallery
Juror #29
- man
- has heard Hunter got a gun that wasn't authorized and was using drugs at the same time - the judge reminds him those are allegations that must be proven beyond reasonable doubt
- his brother was arrested on drug-related grounds and deported
- has a concealed carry permit and owns multiple firearms
- believes someone using drugs should not be allowed to own a gun but says it's "okay" if they used drugs in the past
Juror #30
- middle-aged man
- excused due to schedule conflicts
NOTE: We are unable to provide details on jurors 31-35, as they were questioned during the press' break time.
Juror #36
- woman
- counselor who helps people struggle with drug and alcohol addiction
Juror #37
- man
- his niece and nephew own firearms
- has relatives who struggled with drug abuse and died
- says drug addiction is "a disease"
Juror #38
- woman
- family members use firearms for hunting
- someone close to her overdosed on heroin
Juror #39
- man
- his older brother was addicted to PCP and heroin and is in and out of rehab
- says there's "room for change" when asked if someone with a substance abuse issue should be allowed to own a firearm
Juror #40
- woman
- family members are attorneys
- wants stronger firearm laws for certain types such as "ones that kill children in schools"
- would like to see it made harder to purchase firearms that can "kill a lot at once" or just "ban [them] altogether"
- donated to Democrat candidates in the 2022 midterms and joined a "resistance group" to turn out Democrat voters in 2016
- believes others may have done similar things to what Hunter is alleged to have done but aren't under as much "scrutiny"
- has upcoming business travel that includes mandatory meetings
Juror #41
- woman
- caretaker for her mother and has upcoming doctor appointments
- excused due to schedule conflicts
Juror #42
- man
- retired but previously was a self-employed painter and wallpaper hanger
- also previously worked in the DMV area
Juror #43
- woman
- has an upcoming work trip that conflicts with the trial schedule
- says she's "seen the headlines" about Hunter's case but doesn't know much in-depth information
- used to concealed carry
- her father struggled with alcoholism
Juror #44
- woman
- recently finished treatment for cancer but has ongoing appointments
- excused for schedule conflicts
Juror #45
- man
- gets news from Fox News and Newsmax
- says he's not sure if he can give Hunter a "fair shake"
- stricken due to likely bias
Juror #46
- man
- knows about Hunter's firearm offenses and drug addiction
- stricken
Juror #47
- man
- his wife is a 911 dispatcher
- gets his news from CNN, ABC, and CBS
- mentions Facebook memes as a source of news as well
- he and his wife both own firearms
Juror #48
- man
- his daughter is a recovering addict
- says "Everyone needs a second chance," including former drug addicts seeking to obtain a firearm
- formerly a mechanic
Juror #49
- man
- previously served as foreperson on a jury trying a minor sexual abuse case that returned a guilty verdict
Juror #50
- woman
- her brother is a retired police officer
- has served on juries in the past - a case dealing with police discrimination and another as a foreperson in a vehicle accident case
Juror #51
- man
- follows President and First Lady Biden on Instagram
- works at a bank
- his younger daughter was sexually abused
- believes mental health issues should prevent an individual from owning a firearm
- excused by the judge
Juror #52
- woman
- has school-aged children
- gets news from Facebook but finds it "very depressing," citing school shooting coverage
- says there needs to be more mental health evaluations of potential threats
- father-in-law is an air traffic controller who sometimes coordinates with the Secret Service - "you know when [Biden's] coming in," she says as a result
Juror #53
- woman
- her grandfather had firearms
- uncle is a retired state police officer
- has lost many friends to drug overdoses
- gets news from her father and X (Twitter)
Juror #54
- woman
- works overnights
- caretaker for her granddaughter
- excused by the judge
Juror #55
- man
- says he knows the Biden family "well"
- has schedule conflicts
- excused by the judge
Juror #56
- man
- arrested for DUI more than a decade ago
- family history of drug and alcohol addiction
- his friends and family own firearms
Juror #57
- man
- has meetings scheduled all next week
- says he won't get paid if he doesn't attend
- excused by the judge
1:40 p.m. — That's the end of the first panel of potential jurors. The judge debated dismissing everyone for the day but decided to plunge ahead with the second panel. But first: Lunch break from 1:45 pm to 2:30 pm.
2:55 p.m. — Jury selection resumes. Juror #21, who didn't answer "Yes" to any questions, was brought back so both parties can "lay eyes on her." Jurors #58 and #60 were taken off because they're "not on the original list." Juror #61 was stricken because they're the judge's case manager's cousin.
Juror #59
- man
- watches morning news on CNN and Fox News
- sold guns as a retailer
- not sure he can be fair since he knows the federal forms well
- excused
Juror #62
- woman
- her husband "socializes" with the Bidens, both belong to the same clubs
- knows Hallie Biden, a witness in the case, as an acquaintance
- chair of a committee that makes political donations
- stricken
Juror #63
- woman
- family members are correctional officers
- donated to the 2016 presidential campaign of Trump
- served on a jury in a resisting arrest case
Juror #64
- woman
- will be out of the country the next two weeks
- leaving June 10
- excused
Juror #65
- woman
- donated to Obama's campaign
- insists she'd be impartial and fair
4:00 p.m. — Each side begins peremptory strikes. The defense is allotted 10 to the prosecution's six.
Hunter Biden puts on his glasses to read the list of potential jurors.
Both sides silently go back and forth, crossing names off of a clipboard.
4:17 p.m. — The jury is seated at last. The 12 jurors are:
#3, #5, #16, #19, #20, #26, #31, #33, #34, #37, #38, and #39.
#50, #52, #53, and #65 are alternates.
4:20 p.m. The judge begins reading preliminary jury instructions. And that concludes Day 1 of Hunter Biden's gun trial.