Hunter Biden said he is grateful for the support from family and friends but “disappointed” by the outcome following his conviction on felony charges in a federal gun case.
“I am more grateful today for the love and support I experienced this last week from Melissa, my family, my friends, and my community than I am disappointed by the outcome,” the US president’s son said in a statement.
“Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time.”
Defence lawyer Abbe Lowell said they are “naturally disappointed” by Hunter Biden’s guilty verdict.
Mr Lowell said in a statement that they respect the jury process and will vigorously pursue all legal challenges that are available.
“Through all he has been through in his recovery, including this trial, Hunter has felt grateful for and blessed by the love and support of his family,” Mr Lowell said.
After Hunter Biden’s conviction, President Joe Biden said in a statement that he and the first lady will always be there for their son “with our love and support”.
The president said he will accept the outcome and continue to respect the judicial process as his son considers an appeal.
President Biden said he and wife Jill love their son and they are proud of the man he is today.
The special counsel appointed to investigate Hunter Biden said his conviction on federal gun crimes is a reminder that no one is above the law.
David Weiss, US attorney for Delaware, said: “No one in this country is above the law. Everyone must be accountable for their actions.”
Republican reaction to Hunter Biden’s verdict was swift and varied as some called the guilty outcome overdue accountability for the Biden family while others said it represented a “veil of fairness”.
James Comer, the Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee, who has been investigating the president’s family for the last two years, said the verdict marked “a step towards accountability”.
Mr Comer and other House Republicans have pursued an impeachment inquiry into President Biden for the last 17 months that has failed to directly connect the commander-in-chief to his family’s overseas business dealings.
Mr Comer has taken a special interest in Hunter Biden and his various legal woes, bringing in the president’s son last year to conduct a deposition.
