Hunter Biden's defense faces criticism for questioning identity of individual who filled out key gun form
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE: Hunter Biden's defense team utilized a significant strategy, casting doubt on the identity of the person who completed a crucial federal gun form pivotal to the case against the President's son, according to Fox News.
The central issue in the gun charges against President Joe Biden's son revolved around his completion of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) form 4473, where he affirmed that he was not under the influence of drugs at the time of purchasing the gun.
However, Biden's defense attorney, Abbe Lowell, formed his defense surrounding the presence of a physical version of the form, which was filled at a gun store.
On Friday, May 24, it was revealed Gordon Cleveland, an employee of a gun store, assisted the defendant in filling up the physical form when he bought the gun.
The other version of the form was emailed to US District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika on October 26, 2018, which is now part of the evidence.
The defense wants to know who filled out the form
"We want to know who wrote what on the form," Hunter Biden's attorney Lowell said in court.
"Is there evidence that [Hunter Biden] didn't check the box?" Noreika inquired.
The defense attorney replied, "We now know that they tampered with that form. … Cleveland accepted an ID he shouldn't have, and [Ron] Palmieri [the gun store owner] changed the form."
However, the judge emphasized the significance of what Hunter Biden, the defendant, indicated on the form, which Lowell argued was all "subject to examination."
Noreika stated that she would make a decision later regarding the inclusion of the physical form into evidence. However, she mentioned that the gun store employee could be examined.
Cleveland is likely to take the stand, and the judge suggested the possibility of the government requesting his testimony to affirm that Hunter Biden completed and signed the form.
Hunter faces three criminal counts for illegally possessing a firearm and lying about drug addiction. The trial is set to commence on June 3 with jury selection and is anticipated to continue until June 14 or the following week.
Besides the gun case, the first son also faces federal tax charges in California, which will go into trial in September.
Internet criticizes Hunter Biden's defense over new strategy
Netizens slammed the defense for bringing up the physical version of the gun form allegedly filled by Biden.
One user wrote, "What a freaking joke,,,he did,,nobody can fill a government form for another person. Just like the written test for a driver permit.." [sic]
"Only matters who’s signature is on the application. Weak defense," another remarked.
What a freaking joke,,,he did,,nobody can fill a government form for another person. Just like the written test for a driver permit..
— Danny Alvarado (@Dannymarine110) May 24, 2024
Only matters who’s signature is on the application. Weak defense
— michael brumley (@Mbrums45) May 25, 2024
A user added, "If this was the truth, why has it taken until now to be brought to light? Just trying to lie his way out of trouble. Just like the coke found in the White House."
A response read, "Even if the employee filled out the form digitally, Hunter Biden was still required to read and sign it. It's the same as signing loan or rental documents... Just because you didn't initial every line doesn't mean you don't pay what's agreed."
Meanwhile, another person said, "Just ask Hunter. He should know, it was his equipment."
If this was the truth, why has it taken until now to be brought to light? Just trying to lie his way out of trouble. Just like the coke found in the White House.
— Jim Kubistek (@JimKubistek27) May 25, 2024
Even if the employee filled out the form digitally, Hunter Biden was still required to read and sign it. It's the same as signing loan or rental documents... Just because you didn't initial every line doesn't mean you don't pay what's agreed.
— @rggresham (@rggresham_AK) May 24, 2024
Just ask Hunter. He should know, it was his equipment.
— heavymetalfan23 (@heavymetalfan26) May 24, 2024
"Well if it wasn't him isn't that a violation too he screwed and I think karma is going to get the whole family," someone else chimed in. [sic]
An outraged individual argued, "Oh give me a break, You have to fax a picture of His Id when applying for the release of sale." [sic]
Another criticized the defense, saying, "Oh sure the dog ate my homework defense." [sic]
Well if it wasn't him isn't that a violation too he screwed and I think karma is going to get the whole family.
— Tammy Wester (@WesterTammy) May 24, 2024
Oh give me a break,
— Independent Man (@Maverick_Styled) May 24, 2024
You have to fax a picture of His Id when applying for the release of sale
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