Joe Biden Spent Weekend with Son Hunter Before Start of Federal Gun Trial, Riding Bikes and Attending Church

The Biden family enjoyed quality time in Delaware before Hunter was due in court for an unprecedented trial on Monday, June 3. Hunter's felony charges carry the potential of 25 years in prison

President Joe Biden (L) with his son Hunter Biden, rides his bike at Gordons Pond in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
President Joe Biden, 81, and Hunter Biden, 54, ride their bikes in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on June 1. Photo:

SAMUEL CORUM/AFP via Getty Images

Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden spent the weekend in Delaware with loved ones ahead of Hunter’s federal gun trial, which began Monday, June 3, in Wilmington.

The president's son is charged with three felony counts relating to illegal gun possession, and faces up to 25 years in prison and $750,000 in fines if convicted.

President Joe Biden, center, followed by his son Hunter Biden, bike at Gordons Pond State Park
Joe Biden rides just ahead of his son, Hunter Biden, at Gordons Pond State Park on June 1.

AP Photo/Susan Walsh

Just before noon on Saturday, June 1, President Biden, 81, and Hunter, 54, rode their bikes along the Gordons Pond trail near Rehoboth Beach, where the family has a home. The president waved at people who had gathered, and a group of cyclists trailed behind the Secret Service detail.

Later that day, the father and son were seen exiting a service at St. Edmonds Catholic Church together.

Hunter Biden, center, leaves St. Edmond Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Hunter Biden leaves St. Edmond Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on June 1.

AP Photo/Susan Walsh

President Biden has kept a distance from his son's federal gun charges, citing the ongoing criminal case — but on Monday morning, as he prepared to leave Wilmington en route to campaign events, he released a statement expressing love for his only surviving son.

"I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today," President Biden said. "Hunter's resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us. A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean."

"As the President, I don't and won't comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength. Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I are going to continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support," he continued.

President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden during the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll
President Joe Biden and son Hunter Biden during the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 1, 2024.

Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Though President Biden did not attend the trial on Monday, first lady Jill Biden and first daughter Ashley Biden showed up at the Wilmington federal courthouse to watch the jury selection process.

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Hunter faces three charges in his federal gun case. Two counts allege that Hunter signed a form stating he was not "an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug or any other controlled substance," despite openly talking about his struggles with addiction, when he purchased a revolver in October 2018.

The third count alleges that Hunter was in possession of the revolver for 11 days while using an illicit drug, before his girlfriend threw it in a dumpster.

Hunter Biden (C), son of US President Joe Biden, joined by his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, arrives to the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building
Hunter Biden and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, arrive at the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building for day one of Hunter's criminal trial on June 3.

RYAN COLLERD/AFP via Getty Images

In September 2023, Hunter was indicted by a federal grand jury in Delaware, following a five-year investigation conducted by federal prosecutors, the FBI and the IRS. In October, Hunter pleaded not guilty. This is the first time a child of a sitting president has faced a criminal trial.

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In addition to the firearms-related charges, Hunter will be tried in Los Angeles for nine federal tax charges, which will take place this fall. If convicted in that case, he could face up to 17 years in prison.

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