According to an official court document, Special Counsel David Weiss has informed U.S. District Judge Maryellen Norieka that Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, is expected to face a federal indictment concerning a firearms charge by the end of September 2023. The filing states that the government plans to proceed with the indictment no later than Friday, September 29, 2023.
Previously, Hunter Biden was reportedly close to entering a plea agreement related to separate drug offenses. This agreement would have essentially dismissed the firearms charge under a "Pretrial Diversion Agreement." However, Judge Norieka rejected these terms earlier, stating that the arrangement was atypical, as reported by USA Today and Fox News.
The firearm-related charge dates back to 2018 and involves Hunter Biden allegedly providing incorrect information on Federal Form 4473 regarding his drug usage. Intentionally lying on this form is a federal offense. Interestingly, this comes at a time when Democrats have frequently stated that no one is "above the law," often in reference to former President Donald Trump. The case tests whether this principle extends to members of the Biden family.
The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) criticized the silence from gun control advocates concerning Hunter Biden's firearms issue. Alan Gottlieb, the Chairman of CCRKBA, referred to the failed plea agreement as the "Biden Loophole." He also remarked that the situation is especially ironic considering President Biden's long history of advocating for strict gun control measures.
Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers are examining the collapsed plea deal. Leading this investigation are House Judiciary Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan, Oversight and Accountability Chairman Rep. James Comer, and House Ways and Means Chairman Rep. Jason Smith, as mentioned in a USA Today report.
In the backdrop of all this, President Biden has been careful to rarely speak about his son's issues. If the indictment occurs as planned, it is likely to become a focal point in the middle of the 2024 presidential campaign. This comes amid various controversies surrounding the Biden family, including accusations of business improprieties and potential influence trading, which are distractions a campaigning president would prefer to avoid.
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