Hunter Biden’s gun trial got off to a rocky start Tuesday morning following a juror snafu that delayed the start of opening statements.
Hunter Biden’s federal trial on gun charges got off to a rocky start Tuesday morning, as opening statements were delayed when jurors couldn’t make it to the courthouse on time.
Judge Maryellen Noreika told prosecutors and lawyers for the first son that the court had received an email from the juror — identified as number 16 during Monday’s jury selection and who lives in Milford, Del. — saying that she doesn’t have a car and “I live an hour away.”
The judge said she would let the woman out of serving due to hardship and the vacant spot will likely be filled by one of the four alternates.
Proceedings were also delayed from their 9 a.m. scheduled start time because four of the other panelists hadn’t arrived yet, Noreika informed the lawyers.
While they waited, lead defense lawyer Abbe Lowell delivered impassioned arguments on some last minute motions.
The jury of six men and six women was seated Monday. The group is slated to hear opening remarks by prosecutors from the office of special counsel David Weiss, who showed up to court Tuesday. Hunter’s team will deliver their opening statements after.
Hunter, 54, arrived to the federal courthouse Tuesday morning wearing a suit and tie and an American flag pin on his lapel. He was accompanied again by his wife Melissa Cohen, who held his hand on their way inside.
First lady Jill Biden also came to court for a second day to support her stepson, as did Hunter’s stepsister Ashley.
Prosecutors teased Monday that they will likely call FBI Special Agent Erika Jensen as their first witness, and the jury may see evidence of Hunter’s infamous laptop.
