Jill Biden and Daughter Ashley Attend Start of Hunter's Federal Trial, Which Falls on First Lady's Birthday

Hunter, 54, faces three felony counts related to illegal gun possession. While President Joe Biden did not attend jury selection, he released a statement expressing love for his son as proceedings began

Hunter Biden's loved ones joined him at the Wilmington, Del., federal courthouse on Monday, June 3, to offer moral support as he goes on trial for three felony firearm charges.

Hunter's younger sister, Ashley Biden, arrived first, shortly after 8 a.m. local time. Hunter came minutes later, approaching the building hand in hand with his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden.

Dr. Jill Biden, whose 73rd birthday falls on Monday, then arrived with her Secret Service detail, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of a member of the first family answering to criminal charges.

Related: Hunter Biden's Criminal Trial Kicks Off in Delaware: Here's What to Know About the Federal Gun Charges

The first lady raised Hunter as her own after his mother, Neilia Hunter Biden, died in a 1972 car accident. Jill and Joe Biden later had Ashley, who is Hunter's half-sister.

President Biden, who spent time with Hunter in Rehoboth Beach over the weekend, was scheduled to depart Wilmington on Monday rather than stay through the first day of trial with other family members.

But even as he aimed to maintain business as usual, the president shared a rare public statement about his only surviving son as the jury selection process began.

"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 on Monday morning. "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.

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

Hunter was charged by his father's Department of Justice in September with three felony counts related to illegal firearm possession.

The first two counts allege that Hunter lied on forms in order to obtain a revolver in 2018, by stating that he wasn't using illegal drugs at the time. A third count alleges that Hunter, who has been open about his addiction issues, possessed the revolver while using a narcotic.

According to the indictment, Hunter owned the gun for 11 days before his girlfriend threw it in a dumpster, citing concerns about his mental health.

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Once 12 jurors and four alternates are selected, the trial will move into opening statements. It is expected to last one to two weeks, and if the jury ultimately convicts Hunter, he faces up to 25 years in prison and up to $750,000 in fines.

Hunter was separately indicted in California on nine federal tax charges related to alleged tax evasion, which could result in a 17-year prison sentence if he's convicted. A trial for the tax case is scheduled to begin in Los Angeles this fall.

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