Family and friends of Hunter Biden sit in first row behind defense table
Hunter Biden is seated in the middle of the defense table, with his lawyer Abbe Lowell to his right.
Sitting in the first row behind the defense table is Jack Owen, who is President Joe Biden’s brother-in-law, Kevin Morris, who is Hunter’s friend and benefactor, his half-sister Ashley Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Hunter’s wife, Melissa Cohen, and members of the U.S. Secret Service.
Court proceeding in gun trial are underway
When Hunter Biden walked into the courthouse, he had to go through security just like everyone else. In fact, he had to wait about 30 seconds for the metal detector to reset. The court security officer apologized to Hunter for the wait, and Hunter took it in stride, saying “It’s alright!”
Hunter’s attorney Abbe Lowell and his team came into the courthouse with several binders and folders.
Lowell and prosecutors were cordial with each other in the moments before proceedings began.
Hunter Biden walked into the courtroom at just before 8:30 a.m. He motioned to a friend to make sure a seat was saved for his wife, Melissa Cohen.
Proceedings then began in the main courtroom at 8:47 a.m., but as of 9 a.m., journalists were not allowed inside the main courtroom due to the number of potential jurors filling gallery seats. All journalists were in the overflow room, where the audio-only feed was not working.
Ashley Biden, Hunter Biden’s half-sister, also attending trial
Ashley Biden, the daughter of Joe and Jill Biden and the half-sister of Hunter Biden, is also at the courthouse this morning.
First lady Jill Biden arrives at the courthouse
First lady Jill Biden arrived at the courthouse at 8:30 a.m. She is the stepmother of Hunter Biden, whose biological mother, Neilia Biden, was killed in a car crash when he was 2 years old.
Hunter Biden arrives at the courthouse
Hunter Biden has arrived at the courthouse in Wilmington ahead of jury selection.
Jury selection set to begin in Hunter Biden gun case
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Jury selection is set to begin today in the federal gun case against Hunter Biden in Delaware.
The president’s son faces three counts tied to possession of a gun while using narcotics. He has pleaded not guilty.
The beginning of the trial comes just days after the conclusion of a criminal trial against the man his father is running against in the presidential race, former President Donald Trump. Trump was convicted of all 34 counts against him in state court in New York.
U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika said she plans on calling potential jurors in groups of 50 until they’re able to find 12 people who say they can be impartial when it comes to Hunter Biden.
Where is President Biden today?
President Joe Biden is starting his day in Wilmington, where the trial is taking place.
Later in the day, he’ll head to White Plains, New York, and continue on to Greenwich, Connecticut, for a campaign reception.
Trial starts days after anniversary of Beau Biden’s death
Hunter Biden’s trial is starting just days after the ninth anniversary of his brother Beau Biden’s death. Beau Biden died in 2015 after a battle with brain cancer.
The president commemorated the anniversary in church and by visiting the cemetery where his son is buried.
Biden visited the house of Beau Biden’s wife, Hallie Biden, last week, as well. She is expected to be called to testify for the prosecution.
What to expect in court today
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Jury selection starts today and is expected to last one or two days. Ultimately, 12 jurors and four alternates will be selected.
About 250 prospective jurors could be evaluated to serve on the jury.
Noreika will ask prospective jurors to answer dozens of questions about their knowledge of the case and the topics that will be discussed, such as guns, addiction and politics.
