Biden shows support for son Hunter after conviction, says he will respect verdict

(WILMINGTON, Del.) — President Joe Biden, in his first comment after Hunter Biden was found guilty on all three counts in his federal gun trial, expressed love for his son and vowed to accept the verdict handed down by the jury on Tuesday.

Biden reiterated much of his statement from when the trial kicked off on June 3.

“As I said last week, I am the President, but I am also a Dad,” Biden said. “Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery.”

“As I also said last week, I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal,” the president added. “Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that.”

The president traveled to Delaware later Tuesday. Hunter Biden greeted his father when the president arrived, getting out of the motorcade and embracing on the tarmac. Hunter was joined by his wife, Melissa, and their young son, Beau.

Hunter Biden was indicted in September by special counsel David Weiss on two counts related to false statements in purchasing a firearm and a third count of illegally obtaining a firearm while addicted to drugs.

His indictment and conviction mark a historic first for the child of a sitting U.S. president.

Biden’s statement vowing to respect the trial’s outcome stands in contrast with former President Donald Trump’s many criticisms of the judicial system following his historic conviction in New York. Trump and his allies continue to call his hush money trial “rigged.”

The weeklong trial in Delaware focused heavily on details of Hunter Biden’s struggle with drug addiction, his fraught relationships and other emotional aspects of his past.

President Biden did not make an appearance at his son’s trial, but first lady Jill Biden was a fixture at the hearings and walked out of the courthouse hand-in-hand with Hunter Biden after the guilty verdict was announced.

Last week, Biden told ABC News “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir he would accept the result of the proceeding and would not pardon his son.

In his first statement after the verdict was handed down, Hunter Biden expressed gratitude for the familial support shown throughout the proceedings.

“I am more grateful today for the love and support I experienced this last week from Melissa, my family, my friends, and my community than I am disappointed by the outcome,” Hunter Biden said. “Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time.”

ABC News’ Molly Nagle contributed to this report.

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