In a special report by NBC News, it was announced that Hunter Biden, the son of President Biden, has been indicted on federal gun charges. These charges involve allegations of lying on a gun permit application, specifically related to the prohibition of gun ownership by active drug users. Hunter Biden had initially planned to plead guilty as part of a deal, but it fell through during a plea hearing in July. The indictment, issued by special counsel David Weiss, marks the first time a sitting president's son has faced such charges. The political implications and potential legal exposure for Hunter Biden remain significant. The charges carry serious penalties, and the defense may focus on disputing the accusation of addiction. This development adds to the ongoing scrutiny of Hunter Biden's activities, with some seeing it as a political flashpoint.
Here are the key facts extracted from the provided text:
1. Hunter Biden has been indicted on federal gun charges.
2. This marks the first time a sitting president's son has been indicted on federal gun charges.
3. Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to the charges.
4. There was initially a plea deal, but it fell through in court back in July.
5. The charges are related to accusations that Hunter Biden lied on a gun permit application.
6. The indictment includes three criminal counts connected to the gun charge.
7. The charges are specific to Hunter Biden's alleged false claims regarding drug use.
8. The special counsel, David Weiss, was given the authority to continue the investigation into Hunter Biden and file charges.
9. There is political pressure on both the special counsel and the White House due to this case.
10. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced a formal impeachment inquiry into President Biden related to his son's activities.
11. The indictment relates to events that took place in 2018.
12. The statute of limitations required charges to be brought by October.
13. The indictment is specific to Delaware, where Hunter Biden purchased the gun.
14. Other potential legal exposure remains, depending on further developments.
15. The case is seen as a political issue with partisan divides.
16. The defense may argue that Hunter Biden wasn't an addict at the time.
Please note that these facts are based on the provided text and do not include opinions.