⚖️ "Nobody is above the law"

[phkrause]

That was the most common reaction among Democrats after Hunter Biden was found guilty of federal gun charges today, Axios' Andrew Solender writes.

• 🥊 Many echoed Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.), who said the conviction of the president's son was a shot against Republicans who've called the justice system "rigged" while objecting to Trump's felony conviction.
• "I can't wait to see how Trump apologists and enablers spin this one," Balint told Axios.

Republicans' responses were more scattered.

• Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) said the verdict was "somewhat of a surprise" considering the trial was in Biden-friendly Delaware; some other Republicans called the verdict no big deal.

⚡️ The Trump campaign's salty comments opened the door for similar GOP messages that followed.

• First there was a statement, obtained by CNN, calling the verdict "a distraction from the real crimes" of the Biden family, which concluded by saying, "As for Hunter, we wish him well in his recovery and legal affairs."
• A second version of the statement left out the reference to Hunter.

Hunter said in a statement he was disappointed and that his attorneys would appeal.

• President Biden said in his own statement: "I will accept the outcome of this case."
• "I am the president, but I am also a dad," Biden added. "Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today."

Hunter was convicted on charges he illegally bought and possessed a firearm while using a narcotic. He faces up to 25 years in prison, Axios' Alex Thompson and Erin Doherty reported.

• Hunter, 54 is the first child of a sitting president to be convicted of a crime.
• He faces a separate trial on tax fraud charges that's set for September.