Benzinga - by Chris Katje, Benzinga Staff Writer.
An investigation that follows a special counsel investigation has led to federal charges against the son of the sitting president.
Here’s a look at the details, potential punishments and early reactions.
What Happened: An investigation into President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden ed to federal firearms charges that were announced Thursday.
Biden, 53, is accussed of possessing a federal firearms license and license to deal firearms while being untruthful about addiction and use of crack cocaine, according to an indictment reported by the Associated Press.
The charges stem from a period in October 2018 when Biden bought a firearm and is accused of lying on his application about his drug use.
The indictment includes two counts of making false statements by saying he was not a user of drugs or addicted to drugs. A third count says Biden possessed a gun as a drug user.
The first two charges carry punishments of up to 10 years in prison upon conviction. The third charge carries a punishment of up to five years in prison.
Biden is also being investigated in connection with his business dealings, with a special counsel overseeing the case saying that additional charges could come over tax payments.
The Backdrop: The indictment against Biden comes as Republicans in Congress are pursuing an impeachment against President Biden related to his relationship with and involvement in business activities by his son.
According to the Associated Press, charges for gun possession against drug users are rare and often come when there are other charges against the person.
The charges against Biden come as plea agreements were rumored to be in the works, with many upset he would be getting a “sweetheart deal” with probation rather than jail time.
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Early Reactions From Trump, Others: The news that Biden is facing federal charges has generated many initial reactions, including from those who have been fighting to see the Biden family charged with crimes.
Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, his social media company set to merge with Digital World Acquisition Corporation (NASDAQ: DWAC), to share his thoughts.
“This, the gun charge, is the only crime that Hunter Biden committed that does not implicate Crooked Joe Biden. One down, Eleven to go!” Trump posted.
Trump also added that the Democrats have “opened the proverbial Pandora’s Box” with "witch hunts."
“It is possible that the USA will never be the same again. SO SAD!!”
U.S. Rep. James Comer (R-KY), who chairs the House Oversight Committee, took to Twitter to share his reaction.
“Today’s charges against Hunter Biden are a very small start, but unless U.S. Attorney Weiss investigates everyone involved in fraud schemes and influence peddling, it will be clear President Biden’s DOJ is protecting Hunter Biden and the big guy,” Comer tweeted.
Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr. also took to Twitter.
“Now that Hunter Biden has been indicted how many mins till Biden’s corrupt DOJ drops another Trump indictment to change the narrative? It’s nice to see something happen, though this is likely the excuse DOJ will use to pretend they’re fair when they give him slap on the wrist!” Trump Jr. tweeted.
Trump supporter and U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) said the younger Biden should face further charges.
“Hunter Biden has been indicted for three counts of federal gun charges, but where are the indictment for tax fraud, FARA abuse, money laundering and sex trafficking???” Taylor Greene asked.
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