Hunter Biden Might Fight for the Second Amendment

What’s happening: The son of President Joe Biden is in the crosshairs of a Justice Department investigation, examining his acquisition of a firearm in 2018. During this period, Hunter Biden admitted to habitual crack cocaine use, stating in his memoir that he used the substance every 15 minutes. Federal regulation prohibits individuals with drug addictions from possessing firearms.

The case: Hunter’s legal team has informed the Justice Department that any firearm-related charges against their client will be contested under the Second Amendment. This move could transform an already politically complex case into a prominent fight over gun rights, potentially conflicting with the president's own efforts to implement stricter gun control measures nationwide.

State of gun rights: Last year, the Supreme Court ruled in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen that firearm regulations must align with those of the founding era. This ruling provides leverage for gun rights advocates working to ease gun restrictions and presents the opportunity to challenge gun laws relating the drug use. It also forced states like Maryland, New York, and New Jersey to temporarily ease restrictions on concealed-carry permits.

Hunter’s troubles: The firearm investigation—not Hunter’s laptop scandal and its implications—is currently at the forefront of Hunter’s legal troubles, seemingly because the case lacks a direct connection to the president. The notorious laptop scandal unveiled an alleged global network of influence peddling involving the Biden family, particularly in countries like Ukraine and China. Hunter allegedly secured profitable business deals for the family using Joe Biden's influence. While Joe Biden previously denied any awareness of such deals, the laptop leak challenged this assertion.

• Just this week: Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), the House Oversight and Accountability Committee's chair, shared that FBI Director Christopher Wray confirmed the existence of a record that documents "an alleged bribery scheme related to then-Vice President Joe Biden and a foreign national.”