Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, has been indicted on three federal firearms-related charges, according to a court filing.
It came after efforts to reach a plea deal failed, leading to the first-ever prosecution of a sitting president’s child.
The indictment, in a Delaware federal court, is tied to the possession of a gun while using narcotics.
The charges mean the courtroom drama will play out during the 2024 US presidential campaign as Mr Biden, 80, seeks reelection in a likely rematch with his predecessor Donald Trump, 77, who is facing four upcoming criminal trials.
Sky News’ US correspondent Mark Stone described the indictment as a “significant step” that likely resulted in a “head in hands” moment for the US president.
“Another day, another extraordinary moment in the American political journey. Whether it’s Trump or whether it is Biden, both sides now embroiled in their own very different legal wranglings.”
Two counts are tied to the president’s son allegedly filing a form claiming he was not using illegal drugs at the time he purchased a revolver in October 2018, while the third alleges he possessed a firearm while using a narcotic.
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The 53-year-old has also been under investigation for his business dealings, with the special counsel overseeing the case having indicated charges of failure to pay taxes on time could be filed in Washington or in California, where he lives.
A gun possession charge against Biden had previously been part of a plea deal that also included guilty pleas to misdemeanour tax charges, but the agreement fell apart during a court hearing in July when a judge raised questions about its unusual provisions.
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US president could face impeachment inquiry over family business dealings
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Republicans pursue impeachment inquiry against president
It comes as Republicans pursue an impeachment inquiry over the business dealings of the president’s family.
US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has said he is directing committees to open a formal investigation into what he called a “culture of corruption” around the first family.
He said over the past few months “House Republicans have uncovered serious and credible allegations into President Biden’s conduct”.
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Democrats described the move as “absurd”, while the White House called it “extreme politics at its worst.”
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