Defense begins calling witnesses in Hunter Biden’s federal gun trial after prosecution rests case

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Federal prosecutors wrapped up their gun case against Hunter Biden on Friday with two final witnesses in their effort to prove that the president’s son lied on a mandatory gun-purchase form when he said he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs.

Prosecutors called an FBI forensic chemist, Jason Brewer, who tested a residue found on the leather pouch that contained Hunter Biden’s gun. It came back positive for cocaine, though the amount was minimal, he told jurors. A Drug Enforcement Administration agent testified about text messages Hunter Biden sent to alleged dealers.

Their testimony capped a week that has been largely dedicated to highlighting the seriousness of Hunter Biden’s drug problem through highly personal and often revealing testimony. Defense attorney Abbe Lowell said he would ask the judge for an acquittal, a common request during trials but one not often granted.

Lowell began his defense by calling another gun store clerk who was there when Hunter Biden bought the gun. Prosecutors only called one of the clerks. The president’s brother James and Hunter Biden’s daughter Naomi were also in court.

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