Hunter Biden will not be testifying in his gun trial.

Hunter Biden’s federal gun crime trial took an intense turn today as his defense attorney, Abbe Lowell, announced that Biden will not be taking the stand in his own defense. This decision came as a surprise after earlier hints that he might testify. Lowell stated clearly to the judge and jury, “Mr. Biden rests his case.”

The prosecution countered by calling FBI Special Agent Erika Jensen back to the stand for further questioning. The stakes are high in this trial as prosecutors aim to prove that Biden falsely answered questions on a federal firearm form back in October 2018. At that time, he purchased a Cobra Colt .38 from a store in Wilmington called StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply.

The allegations revolve around Biden’s responses on ATF Form 4473, where he denied being an unlawful user of a firearm or addicted to controlled substances. Federal prosecutors have charged him with making false statements during the gun purchase process and unlawfully possessing a firearm while being addicted to or using controlled substances.

The gravity of the charges cannot be understated, as Hunter Biden faces the possibility of up to 25 years in prison, along with hefty fines and supervised release. This makes his trial historically significant as the first time a sitting president’s child is on trial in U.S. history.

While his defense team acknowledges Biden’s well-documented struggles with addiction, they maintain that he did not consider himself a user of illegal substances at the time of the gun purchase. This defense strategy will be crucial in determining the outcome of the trial.

President Biden himself has been vocal about his support for his son, emphasizing his pride in Hunter’s recovery journey and resilience in the face of adversity. In a heartfelt statement, he expressed love and admiration for his son, highlighting the strength Hunter has shown throughout his recovery process.

As the trial unfolds, a clear picture is emerging of the dynamics within the courtroom. Hunter Biden is accompanied by a host of family members, including first lady Jill Biden, his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, his half-sister Ashley Biden, friend Kevin Morris, his aunt Valerie Biden Owens, her husband Jack, and President Biden’s brother, James Biden. The presence of these individuals highlights the significance of the trial and the support system that surrounds Hunter during this challenging time.

Despite the intense legal proceedings and the gravity of the charges, the Biden family remains united in their commitment to standing by Hunter and offering him unwavering love and support. The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications, not just for Hunter Biden personally, but also in the broader political and legal landscape.