Hunter Biden's federal gun trial took a shocking turn when his sister-in-law and former lover testified in September 2023. Special Counsel David Weiss officially indicted President Joe Biden's son on felony gun charges, including two counts of making false statements to purchase a firearm and illegally owning a firearm while addicted to drugs. These charges came a few months after Hunter reached a guilty plea deal for two misdemeanor tax charges, which included a pre-trial diversion agreement for the gun charge. However, the plans fell through when the US District Court questioned the language of the deal on June 4th, 2024.
The high-profile court case began in Delaware with a jury composed of six women and six men. As expected, the trial has featured revealing testimonies about Hunter's infamous laptop, past drug use, and more. On the third day of the trial, Hunter's sister-in-law and ex-girlfriend, Hi Biden, took the stand, delivering bombshell statements about their tumultuous relationship and the gun at the center of the case.
During her testimony, Hi Biden discussed Hunter's surprise visit to her residence on October 23rd, 2018, the same day she discovered the .38 caliber revolver in question. She described Hunter as tired, exhausted, and appearing sleep-deprived. When asked if Hunter was using drugs at the time, Hi Biden stated that it was possible, adding that she removed any drugs or alcohol from his car to help him stay or get sober. She told the prosecution, "Aside from trash and clothes, I found remnants of crack cocaine paraphernalia, oh, and the gun, obviously." Hi Biden admitted to panicking after finding the gun and ammunition, so she concealed it in a grocery bag and disposed of it at a local grocery store. She explained that she considered hiding it somewhere, but she was afraid her children would find it. She was hesitant to touch it and unsure if it was loaded.
Defense attorney Abby L questioned Hi Biden about the details of her story, including the location of the crack cocaine remnants and the type of paraphernalia found in the car. Hi Biden responded that she did not recall. In addition to her account of discovering the gun, Hi Biden's testimony included shocking information about their brief romantic relationship, which began after the death of her husband, Bo Biden, Hunter's older brother, on May 30th, 2015. She revealed that she discovered Hunter's crack cocaine use shortly after they started dating. Hi Biden admitted to using the drug during the summer of 2018 after Hunter introduced it to her. She described it as a terrible experience, expressing embarrassment, shame, and regret for that period of her life.
During her testimony, Hi Biden also discussed Hunter's drug use, stating that while he seemed normal at times, it was clear that drugs influenced his personality and mood. She mentioned her own struggles with rehab multiple times, and during cross-examination, she recalled moments when she had difficulty believing Hunter, including drug-related text messages he allegedly sent around the time of purchasing the gun. One of the texts shown in court was from Hunter, stating he was "sleeping on a car, smoking crack" two days after buying the firearm. However, Hi Biden claimed that she never personally witnessed any drug use during that period.
If you or someone you know needs help with addiction issues, assistance is available. You can visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).