The first day of testimony in Hunter Biden's gun trial focused on whether he knowingly lied about his drug use on a federal form to procure a firearm in 2018. Prosecutors played excerpts from Hunter Biden's memoir detailing his drug addiction, while his defense argued he misunderstood the form and was not actively using drugs at the time. The infamous laptop was introduced as evidence, and several Biden family members, including his ex-wife and brother's widow, are expected to testify in the coming days.
The trial of Hunter Biden, focusing on his alleged illegal firearm purchase while using drugs, highlights the widespread impact of addiction. Jury selection revealed many potential jurors had personal or familial experiences with substance abuse, reflecting the broader societal issue. The defense aims to create doubt about the evidence and emphasize Hunter Biden's recovery efforts, while the prosecution seeks to prove his guilt. The Biden family hopes the public sees Hunter's struggles as relatable and his recovery as inspiring.
Day 1 of Hunter Biden's firearms trial in Wilmington, Delaware, saw the selection of a jury and the presence of numerous Biden family members, including First Lady Jill Biden. The trial, which involves charges of illegal gun possession and making false statements, highlighted the personal and political connections of the jurors and the Biden family. The jury, composed of individuals with varied backgrounds and views on firearms, was instructed to avoid external influences during the trial. The proceedings underscored the challenges of maintaining impartiality given the high-profile nature of the case.
Jury selection for Hunter Biden's trial on felony gun charges highlighted the U.S. drug epidemic, with many prospective jurors sharing personal stories of addiction. The trial, which could last up to two weeks, involves allegations that Biden falsely claimed not to be a drug user when purchasing a firearm in 2018. The case has drawn significant attention due to its timing, just months before President Biden seeks re-election, and its potential to delve into deeply personal aspects of the Biden family's past.
Lev Parnas, a former associate of Rudy Giuliani, testified before the House Oversight Committee, alleging that false allegations against the Bidens were spread by the Kremlin and perpetuated by Donald Trump, Giuliani, and their associates. Parnas claimed that the information about the Bidens and Ukraine originated from Russian sources and criticized Trump allies and right-wing media figures for spreading misinformation. He also stated that he tried to convey information to federal prosecutors but was ignored, and emphasized that Giuliani understood the lack of credibility of their sources. Parnas, who was convicted of fraud and campaign finance crimes, urged the committee to end its probe into the Biden family, while Hunter Biden and his former business associate declined to appear at the hearing.
Lev Parnas, a former associate of Rudy Giuliani, testified in the GOP-led impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, refuting claims made by Donald Trump and Giuliani about the Bidens and Ukraine. Parnas accused them of creating falsehoods for their own interests and stated that the only information pushed on the Bidens and Ukraine came from Russia and Russian agents. The House Oversight Committee also summoned two former business associates of Hunter Biden's to testify, and there is consideration of making criminal referrals instead of drafting articles of impeachment.
Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has revealed findings from the ongoing investigation into the Biden family's business dealings, calling them "very concerning." The probe has uncovered patterns of communication between Joe Biden and individuals who wired his family millions of dollars, as well as allegations of influence-peddling and shady financial transactions with Russian oligarchs. Comer also criticized the Biden family's alleged ties to China and expressed frustration with the intelligence community's role in what he perceives as a cover-up of the Bidens' activities.
Former FBI informant Alexander Smirnov, charged with lying to the FBI about the Bidens, will remain in jail until his trial, as ruled by a federal judge due to concerns about his history of making false statements and potential flight risk. Smirnov, who pleaded not guilty, was rearrested after being released by a Las Vegas magistrate judge. The charges against him stem from falsely claiming that executives of a Ukrainian energy company had paid bribes to President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, a claim that became part of the House Republicans' impeachment inquiry. Smirnov's lawyers argue that his ties to foreign governments were a result of his government work, but prosecutors warn of his high risk of fleeing due to his self-described ties to Russian intelligence and the presence of firearms at his home.
Former FBI informant Alexander Smirnov, charged with fabricating a bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden's family, is set to appear in a California federal court as a judge considers whether he should remain in detention. Prosecutors are urging the judge to keep Smirnov locked up, citing his reported contact with Russian intelligence-affiliated officials. Smirnov's lawyers are challenging his re-arrest and advocating for his release, emphasizing his lack of criminal history and strong ties to the United States. The case revolves around Smirnov's false claims about the Bidens and their alleged ties to a Ukrainian energy company, which became central to the Republican impeachment inquiry of President Biden.
Former Trump White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson's attorney responded to impeachment witness Tony Bobulinski's claims by providing a photo of an alleged encounter between Bobulinski and former White House chief of Staff Mark Meadows, refuting Bobulinski's denial of wearing a ski mask during the encounter. Hutchinson's attorney pushed back against Bobulinski's defamatory comments and provided the photo as evidence. Bobulinski's attorney responded, stating that Hutchinson will have her day in court. This comes after House Democrats questioned Bobulinski's testimony, while House Republicans emphasized his claims about President Biden's involvement in his family's business dealings.
James Biden, President Joe Biden's brother, testified behind closed doors in the impeachment probe, with Republicans focusing on his business dealings and loans from the president. The committees have not provided evidence for their claims. This comes ahead of Hunter Biden's upcoming interview. The Oversight Committee has subpoenaed both brothers, alleging shady business practices, but has not provided concrete evidence. The White House has pushed back on claims of wrongdoing, citing lack of evidence.
House Republicans are conducting critical interviews with President Joe Biden's son, Hunter, and brother, James, in their impeachment inquiry. Testimonies from Biden family business associates have undermined the allegations against Joe Biden, and recent developments have dealt blows to the impeachment effort. Republicans hope the interviews with James and Hunter Biden will provide new evidence, but banking records suggest that checks addressed to Joe Biden were loan repayments, not incriminating evidence. Testimonies from associates also indicate that Joe Biden was not involved in his family's business ventures.
Rob Walker, a key Biden family business associate, denied any wrongdoing by President Biden in connection to the foreign ventures of Hunter Biden and James Biden during the impeachment inquiry. Republicans questioned Walker about his knowledge of the lucrative ventures and the services provided in exchange for the funds distributed to the Bidens. The inquiry also delved into potential connections between Joe Biden and the foreign dealings of his family members, including meetings and communications with their business partners.
A former business associate of Hunter and James Biden, Mervyn Yan, told Congress that he had no contact with President Joe Biden, refuting allegations of the president's involvement in his family's business dealings. Yan's lawyer stated that he never had any communication with Biden and does not possess any information regarding the president's alleged involvement. House Republicans are cross examining Yan's claims, while Democrats maintain that there is no evidence of wrongdoing by President Biden in relation to his family's business dealings.
Ashley Biden, President Biden's daughter, reportedly owes $5,000 in income taxes dating back to 2015, according to tax lien documents obtained by Fox News. The lien, issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, indicates that the unpaid taxes are a lien on Biden's property. Ashley Biden and her attorney have not responded to requests for comment. Critics argue that this is another example of the Bidens' alleged financial carelessness, despite President Biden's emphasis on wealthy individuals paying their fair share.
