Hunter Biden ordered to appear in person at Oct. 3 arraignment 

Hunter Biden, the son of President Biden, will have to appear in person at his arraignment in Wilmington, Del., next month, after a judge on Wednesday rejected his attempts to appear virtually.

The younger Biden “should not receive special treatment in this manner — absent some unusual circumstances,” federal Judge Christopher Burke wrote in his ruling.

The president’s son was levied three firearms charges earlier this month by Justice Department special counsel David Weiss, alleging that he illegally purchased a handgun while under the influence of drugs.

His attorneys argued that a video conference should suffice the Oct. 3 appearance, noting the potential “financial impact on government resources and the logistical burden on the downtown Wilmington area,” as well as the required travel from Biden’s home in California.

They also claimed that a virtual appearance would save the trouble of Secret Service protection and city resources preparing for potential protests.

“Mr. Biden is not seeking any special treatment in making this request,” Hunter Biden’s defense team said. “He has attended and will attend any proceedings in which his physical appearance is required.”

Weiss argued against a virtual hearing, however, citing a lack of precedent and saying “convenience” is not a proper reason to forgo an in-person arraignment.

Hunter Biden’s attorneys suggested he will waive the reading of his indictment at the arraignment and plead not guilty to the charges.

He has denied the allegations, and attorney Abbe Lowell said they are not likely to succeed with the trail against the president’s son. He called the charges “unconstitutional” and said they “will be dismissed before trial.”

“It is a unique and unjustified charge,” Lowell argued. “Hunter owned an unloaded gun for 11 days … There has never been a charge like this that has been brought in the United States.”

Tags Abbe Lowell David Weiss Delaware gun charges Hunter Biden hunter biden indictment Joe Biden

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