Joe Biden changed his plans at the last minute to hug his son Hunter hours after his child’s guilty verdict.
A federal court jury in Wilmington, Delaware, found Hunter guilty of illegally buying a firearm after hiding his drug use in a landmark ruling. The court found him guilty of all three firearm charges against him - making him the first ever child of a sitting US President to be convicted of a crime.
Following the conviction, the White House announced that the President’s schedule would change and he would fly to Wilmington, his hometown, to meet with his son.
Hours later, he landed at Delaware Air National Guard and greeted his son, daughter-in-law and grandson, who were waiting for him on the tarmac.
Joe Biden rearranged his plans to embrace his son after his guilty verdictGettyHe brought his son into a strong embrace, whilst reporters rushed over to capture the moment between father and son.
The President then turned his attention to Hunter’s wife, Melissa Cohen - who was at her husband’s side during the whole trial, and four-year-old Beau.
Biden hugged Cohen and then crouched down towards his grandson, kissing the child’s blonde head.
After the emotional scene, the President attended a gun violence prevention summit where he spoke about what his administration is doing to decrease shootings. However, he failed to mention his son’s recent conviction.
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Joe Biden also gave a hug to his son's wife Melissa
Reuters
During an address to survivors of gun violence, mayors, parents and educators, he said he understood what victims’ families were going through because he had experienced loss himself. He said: “'I know it's hard because I've gotten those phone calls too saying I've lost a son, a daughter, a wife – I know what it's like.”
He praised the survivors of gun attacks for their focus on channelling their anger into helping to prevent further tragedies from taking place.
Despite not acknowledging his son’s conviction during the summit, he issued a statement once the verdict was announced through the White House counsel’s office.
He said that he would not pardon his son but himself and his wife Jill wold give him their full support.
Biden also leant down to plant a kiss on his grandson's head
Reuters
Hunter Biden was found guilty of all three firearm charges made against him
Reuters“As I said last week, I am the President, but I am also a Dad,' the President reiterated. '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,' Biden continued.
“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.”
Prosecutors said Biden had lied on a form when buying a Colt Cobra revolver in October 2018 when he stated he was not a drug user or addict - despite a problem with crack cocaine.
The conviction comes after the Commander-in-Chief's son had pleaded not guilty to felony charges which included his lies on the government screening document - as well as illegally possessing the firearm for 11 days.
