Jury selection began as Hunter Biden's federal gun trial got underway on Monday (June 3) in Deleware. Biden is facing charges of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

The charges stem from passages in his memoir Beautiful Things in which he admitted to using illegal drugs in 2018. On October 12 of that year, he purchased a revolver from a federally licensed firearm dealer and said that he was not using or addicted to illegal drugs when filling out the form to buy the gun.

The charges were filed in 2023, but Biden thought they were settled when he reached a plea deal with prosecutors on those charges, along with separate tax evasion charges. However, a judge threw out the deal at the last minute, forcing Biden to go on trial for both the gun charges and the tax evasion charges.

Ahead of the trial, Hunter's father, President Joe Biden, issued the following statement:

"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. 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. "As the President, I don't and won't comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength. Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I are going to continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support."