'Are you a serial crack addict?' Protester heckles Hunter Biden outside federal gun trial courtroom
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE: On Thursday, June 3, the usually quiet streets surrounding the J Caleb Boggs Federal Building in Wilmington, Delaware, were abuzz with activity.
Among a crowd of demonstrators was Robert Ware, a resident who had taken a half-day off work to voice his concerns.
Wearing a neon safety vest and holding an anti-Biden sign, Ware was an unmistakable presence in the protest against Hunter Biden, the 54-year-old son of President Joe Biden, who is currently facing felony charges related to a 2018 gun purchase.
Robert Ware speaks out
Ware’s voice cut through the noise as he shouted messages intended for anyone who would listen, especially the media. “Hunter, Rosemont Seneca, where's the money? Hunter, did it go up your nose?" he yelled, referencing Hunter Biden's controversial business dealings and alleged drug use. "Hunter, are you a serial crack addict and liar?"
Ware’s sign, emblazoned with the words "Hunter lied on gun app cocaine in white house. Media talks about ice cream," captured his frustration with what he perceives as media bias. Ware took a moment to speak with Newsweek about his motivations for protesting.
"I am here to shed some sunshine on this dishonest media and the Biden criminal family. I'm surprised journalists are here covering the story, but they will cover the story in a very biased manner for the Biden family," Ware told the outlet.
"I just wanted to make my voice heard, to let the media know that they're dishonest. And my feelings about how I feel about the Biden family. It's a shame that more true patriots and people that love this country don't take the time now to really twist their opinions on what's going on in the country," he explained.
When asked if he plans to return the next day, Ware replied, "God willing."
Inside the courtroom: Hallie Biden takes the stand
Inside the federal building, the atmosphere was tense as the trial continued into its fourth day. Hunter Biden faces serious charges, with prosecutors arguing that he lied on federal documents about his drug use, which would have disqualified him from legally purchasing a firearm. If convicted, Biden could face up to 25 years in prison.
The trial, which is expected to last one to two weeks, is closely examining whether his drug use influenced his ability to lawfully purchase the gun.
A key moment in the trial came when Hallie Biden, the widow of Hunter's late brother Beau Biden, took the stand. Her testimony provided a rare and intimate glimpse into her tumultuous relationship with Hunter Biden, which began a year after Beau’s death in 2015.
Hallie Biden, who was married to Beau Biden from 2002 until his death, testified about how Hunter introduced her to smoking crack. "It was a terrible experience that I went through and I'm embarrassed of that period of my life," she said, visibly emotional, as jurors took notes.
Hallie, a school counselor, detailed her fears regarding Hunter’s substance abuse, worrying that it might lead to an overdose or suicide. Despite their romantic involvement from 2016 to 2019, she referred to Hunter solely as her "brother-in-law" during her testimony.
Under an immunity agreement to avoid charges related to her drug use with Hunter, Hallie Biden revealed that she had found and discarded the gun in question at a Delaware grocery store in October 2018. Her testimony highlighted the impact of Hunter’s addiction on those close to him.
