NRA-ILA: Hunter Biden Incident Shows that Gun Laws are for the Little People

Current Events This Week

By NRA-ILA

There is a central hypocrisy at the heart of the gun control effort. High-profile gun control-supporting politicians, the Hollywood elite, and billionaire tycoons, will advocate to strip ordinary Americans of their right to defend themselves and their family, all the while enjoying the security that armed men with guns provide. As Hunter Biden’s 2018 firearm incident shows, this hypocrisy extends even to incidents where a high-profile individual has taken the step of procuring their own firearm. The message from these elites could not be clearer: Gun laws are only for the little people.

For those who have yet to learn of Hunter’s escapades in firearm ownership, according to a report from Politico, the troubled son of the president purchased a .38-caliber revolver from a Delaware Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) on October 12, 2018. In order to acquire the gun, Hunter filled out the required BATFE Form 4473. On October 23, Hallie Biden, widow to Joe Biden’s son Beau and then-companion to Hunter, searched the ne’er-do-well’s truck, which was parked at her home in Wilmington, Del., and found the handgun. Apparently fearing for Hunter’s safety, Hallie wrapped the revolver in a shopping bag and threw it into a trash receptacle outside nearby gourmet grocery store Janssen’s Market – which is located across the street from the campus of Alexis I. du Pont High School.

Later that day, after Hunter told Hallie to retrieve the firearm, Hallie returned to where she had disposed of the gun but could not find it. At this point law enforcement was notified of the missing firearm, prompting an investigation that reportedly involved the Delaware State Police, the United States Secret Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

As it happens, between Hallie’s disposal of the firearm and her return to the market, a man who routinely searches the store’s trash receptacles for recyclables recovered the firearm. This man returned the revolver a few days after finding it.

According to Politico, prior to the firearm’s return a pair of Secret Service agents visited the FFL where Hunter purchased the firearm in an attempt to obtain the corresponding Form 4473.

The Politico report noted,

Secret Service agents approached the owner of the store where Hunter bought the gun and asked to take the paperwork involving the sale, according to two people, one of whom has firsthand knowledge of the episode and the other was briefed by a Secret Service agent after the fact.

The gun store owner refused to supply the paperwork, suspecting that the Secret Service officers wanted to hide Hunter’s ownership of the missing gun in case it were to be involved in a crime, the two people said. The owner, Ron Palmieri, later turned over the papers to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, which oversees federal gun laws.

As has been made clear in a previous item regarding this incident, NRA does not allege that Hunter or Hallie engaged in any criminal conduct. However, Hunter and Hallie’s conduct give rise to several legal questions.

Hunter was discharged from the U.S. Navy Reserve in 2014 after he tested positive for cocaine. Further, at various times, Hunter has been a notorious and admitted drug user. Hunter’s lengthy battle with drugs has been chronicled by himself and the Biden family in numerous interviews and a forthcoming memoir titled, “Beautiful Things.”

 An April 1, 2020 USA Today piece on Hunter’s memoir contained the following summary of some of its contents,

In the spring of 2018, he used his “superpower – finding crack anytime, anywhere” – in Los Angeles. At one point, a dealer pointed a gun at his head before he realized Biden was looking for drugs.

He later learned how to cook drugs and spent a lot of time with thieves, addicts and con artists. “I never slept. There was no clock. Day bled into night and night into day,” he writes.

The situation grew out of control. “I was smoking crack every 15 minutes,” he writes.

Biden returned to the East Coast in the fall of 2018, again wanting to get better, though that didn’t happen.

Eventually, his family tried to stage an intervention. “I don’t know what else to do,” Joe Biden told him. “I’m so scared. Tell me what to do.” His son replied: “Not (expletive) this.”

It wasn’t until he met now-wife Melissa Cohen in Los Angeles – whom he married after only a week of knowing – that he got sober again. They told each other they loved each other on their first date; she had the same eyes as Beau, he writes. She championed his sobriety and dumped out his crack.

It is illegal for a person “who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” to possess a firearm. Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.

SEE ALSO: Hitler’s Walther: The Monster Killer

In order to purchase a firearm from an FFL, a buyer must fill out a Form 4473. The form asks, “Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance?” Hunter answered “no” to this question.

Lying on a form 4473 is two separate crimes. It is a crime when a person “knowingly makes any false statement or representation with respect to the information required by this chapter to be kept in the records of a person licensed under this chapter,” such as the Form 4473. A violation of this provision is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment. It is also a crime for a person to “make any false or fictitious oral or written statement” to a dealer “with respect to any fact material to the lawfulness of the sale.” A violation of this provision is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.

Janssen’s Market is located less than 250 yards from the campus of Alexis I. du Pont High School.

As a U.S. senator, Joe Biden was a key proponent of the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990. The initial version of this unconstitutional and unwise policy was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in U.S. v. Lopez. A later, similarly constitutionally dubious, version remains on the books.

18 USC 922(q)(2)(A) provides,

(A) It shall be unlawful for any individual knowingly to possess a firearm that has moved in or that otherwise affects interstate or foreign commerce at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is a school zone.

 18 USC 921 (a)(25) defines school zone as, 

            (25) The term “school zone” means—

(A) in, or on the grounds of, a public, parochial or private school; or

(B) within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of a public, parochial or private school. 

18 USC 922(q)(2)(B) does provide for some exemption for possession of a firearm, 

            (i) on private property not part of school grounds;

(ii) if the individual possessing the firearm is licensed to do so by the State in which the school zone is located or a political subdivision of the State, and the law of the State or political subdivision requires that, before an individual obtains such a license, the law enforcement authorities of the State or political subdivision verify that the individual is qualified under law to receive the license;

(iii) that is—

(I) not loaded; and

(II) in a locked container, or a locked firearms rack that is on a motor vehicle;

(iv) by an individual for use in a program approved by a school in the school zone;

(v) by an individual in accordance with a contract entered into between a school in the school zone and the individual or an employer of the individual;

(vi) by a law enforcement officer acting in his or her official capacity; or

(vii) that is unloaded and is possessed by an individual while traversing school premises for the purpose of gaining access to public or private lands open to hunting, if the entry on school premises is authorized by school authorities. 

Maybe Hallie had a Delaware License to Carry a Concealed Deadly Weapon or placed the firearm in a locked container while she brought the gun to the store. However, a reasonable person might wonder whether an individual who would throw a handgun wrapped in a shopping bag away in a publicly accessible trash receptacle, would comport their conduct within these narrow exceptions while traversing the public roadways to Janssen’s Market. 

If Hunter and Hallie are guilty of any illegal conduct, it’s difficult to fault the pair for ignoring the potential legal ramifications of their actions. After all, these gun control measures were not designed to be followed by well-connected elites like them. 

This point is underscored by the Secret Service’s alleged involvement in the case. Rather than having their conduct scrutinized by federal law enforcement, if the Politico report and Hunter’s contemporaneous text messages are to be believed, the federal government tried to cover up for the prominent pair.

As well-protected politicians and their establishment allies push for new gun controls, ordinary law-abiding Americans should know that these hypocrites have no intention of parting with their own elaborate security measures or being otherwise inconvenienced by the burdens they foist upon the rest of us.

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  • Dan April 12, 2021, 1:42 pm

    This is a nothingburger. First, at the time he purchased the gun he may not have considered himself addicted or had quit. The question has to do with your current status. Second, you have to KNOW you are in a school, no-gun zone. In the heat of the moment and because she likely didn’t know the laws, she very likely didn’t know she was in a school zone and likely didn’t even understand she needed a license to discard the gun. Were they both stupid, yes. However, every day people acting stupid with guns regarding gun laws are given a pass. I know a number of people who were found to have a weapon unlocked in a car in California, but were let go with a warning. Finally, what Hunter Biden does has nothing to do with President Biden. Are any of you responsible for what your kids do long after they are out of the house?

    • FirstStateMark April 15, 2021, 4:50 pm

      Hunter flies on Air Force One with daddy to China for dealings with Burisma. Both were filmed leaving Air Force One. Daddy, being the lying SOB that he is, says he knows nothing about Hunters business. Even though Joe is referred to as “the big guy” on phone calls dealing with Burisma. Hunter brings a laptop to a repair shop in Delaware to get fixed. Repair shop guy has signed receipts that Hunter dropped off the laptop. Hunter can’t remember dropping it off. Says he might have been hacked. Daddy backs him up. Hunter jokes about being a drug addict in a TV interview. Lie after lie after lie. Wake the fuck up!

  • D4w1 April 12, 2021, 6:39 am

    Hunter Biden did get Kicked out of the United States Navy as a Officer for using Cocaine. So on the 4473 form where it ask you the question about illegal drug use. Hunter answers the question, No. What a lier. Old Joe Biden wants to put everyone else in jail but not his precious Hunter, the illegal drug user. As old Joe Biden admittedly on live TV during the Presidential debate that Hunter has a issue with illegal drugs. Hunter must be arrested and place in jail for lying on form 4473 now.

  • FirstStateMark April 10, 2021, 10:02 am

    I watched that video in this article and just like his old man, he’s fucking lying like a rug just as he did on that ATF 4473 form.

  • Mark Gillotte April 10, 2021, 5:58 am

    Things are very wrong in America today , the law must be followed strictly and fairly as it applies , it is of the utmost importance for the preservation of our Republic ! Law and order It the very foundation and principals our Constitution and bill of rights was founded on , law and order by the book !

    We the people demand it , it is a cause worth fighting for !

    • deanbob April 12, 2021, 6:23 am

      There’ve long been 2 tiers of justice; however, starting with Hilary Clinton’s many national security crimes and lies to the FBI to the Obama admin spying on candidate Trump then president Trump and the failure of the DOJ to prosecute these cases shows what justice has devolved to. No, the community service slap on the wrist to Klinesmith was not a serious prosecution nor punishment for lying to the FISA court by a FBI attorney.

      Add to that the complete failure of the courts to actually HEAR the cases and examine the evidence related to the November 2020 cases involving illegal ballots and voter fraud – rather than to merely dismiss them for BS technical reasons, and we truly see how far justice has fallen and lopsided the scales of lady justice are tilted!

  • Jerry April 9, 2021, 9:14 pm

    Fk the commie bidens . Biggest braindead hypocrites on the planet next to oduma and Kim Jong oun

  • Steve April 9, 2021, 1:37 pm

    If anyone comes for my guns it will be my last day.

  • Eric Holder April 9, 2021, 12:12 pm

    Did either of them have a permit to carry a firearm at the time? They were near a school and she dumped a firearm in a trash can that could then be found and possessed by anyone? It was in fact found by a person. This would have allowed anyone including felons or children to potentially be exposed to having that firearm AND without a background check to boot! Sounds like a doper and an idiot have direct access to firearms and IF you are related to that scab POS POTUS Big Guy Joe Biden then local state or federal dirtballs are there to cover up or clean up for you. Sweet.

  • Kane April 9, 2021, 11:38 am

    Not too long ago, the DAV recommended I submit to the VA for a psychological evaluation. Often, vets are disabled and under rated in a system that is expert in crushing the little guy. I did NOT want to go through with any psych claim because that will catch up to 2A people sooner or later.

    I had to talk with a psychologist anyhow since I had a serious TBI and so I agreed to a second interview. When you talk to VA psychs remember that you cannot expect confidentiality within the VA system. The vet should be Mirandized because the interviews serve only the VA’s purposes.

    I also an ear doctor that tried to intimidate me and get drop my case. Do NOT get lulled into a false sense of trust. As long as you contest your case they will use redundant testing to try and lower your ratings.

    While testing, I had to go up in a elevator which sometime causes vertigo for me to release of records. There is when I was approached by a VA Investigator who was posing as a vet who was losing his benefits. I believed him at first but was still reserved in our conversation. I noticed he was watching me later when I was back on the 1st floor and he was on the 2nd floor balcony handing me off to another VA Investigator via cell phones. The second spook followed me all the way out to the parking structure but I was smarting up at this time. I wish I knew years ago what I was in for with the VA.

    Trust me on this one point, never trust the VA. Go ahead and look up the VA Investigators, I never knew they had sting operations until I was in one. The VA psych gave me a a psychological pass which is what I wanted and I lost alot faith with the DAV handling my case. The VA Investigators knew I made them. The FBI will NOT work with those cowboys who target vets.

  • Nate April 9, 2021, 11:10 am

    Watch the little scum bag answer “No”, while shaking his head “Yes”. It is one of those ‘tells’ that gives his dishonesty away.

  • Mark A April 9, 2021, 10:33 am

    It was my understanding that the Secret Service denied sending agents out to the FFL dealer to obtain the 4473.
    If that is the case, this smacks (no pun intended) of a cover-up.

    • Kane April 9, 2021, 11:43 am

      I wonder if there is a video. There should be an independent investigation.

  • krinkov545 April 9, 2021, 10:13 am

    Hunter Biden’s end is everlasting fire and brimstone just like his dunce father and every evil satanic anti gunner.

  • Robert Fortini April 9, 2021, 9:44 am

    In 2019 about 112,000 people put false Information on a 4473 only 12 were prosecuted. For some reason ATF keeps this as a low level offense

    • Kane April 9, 2021, 11:45 am

      A girl illegally bought Dylan and Kleebold the weapons used during the Columbine case and the Clinton ATF did NOT bother to charge her.

  • rsmalt April 9, 2021, 9:30 am

    Laws for thee, but NOT for me (or any of my family), Peons! That whole clan makes me sick! I’d LOVE to see the whole bunch of them behind bars, including the Senile Socialist Sundowner, for sending the Secret Service to cover up his crotch fruit’s malfeasance!

  • D.J. April 8, 2021, 9:49 am

    Question ; Is there not another question on 4473 that asks
    if the potential buyer was dishonorably discharged from the
    U.S. Military ?

    If so , how did this slip the degenerate’s mind ?

    Just asking !!!!!

  • Patriot April 7, 2021, 4:01 pm

    Paul he got to be president by rigging voting machines and deceit – how else do you think it happened? He has done nothing for this country in 40 years and he sure as hell can’t comprehend anything now. Puppet on a string at best.

    • paul April 9, 2021, 11:32 am

      Yeah and lets not forget all those illegals with driver licenses and no citizenship

  • Ron Winship April 7, 2021, 10:43 am

    *What this article does is to convince us that: (1) Being able to say NO to the Drug Question on the 4473 is totally inadequate. (2) Mandatory Drug Testing for all NEW Firearm Purchases or Transfers should be a National Requirement. Additionally, another question should be asked on the 4473: “Have you ever been addicted to any Prescription or Non-Prescription Drugs?” If so, a Deep background check for Mental Disability, Domestic Abuse and Aggravated Assaults should be additionally required.

    • David A Boerboom April 7, 2021, 1:14 pm

      To whom will be the meat gazer? I suppose you’ll be volunteering for that lil extra duty right away, won’t you?

    • Flip April 8, 2021, 8:32 am

      You need to pack up and move to London. We don’t need or want you here in the states. You clearly don’t understand history or individual liberty and personal responsibility, despite being clearly old enough to comprehend the 2nd. Smh go blow your rape whistle and see how fast help comes lmao

    • alex April 9, 2021, 8:15 am

      hey ron,ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FUCKING MIND!!!! mandatory drug testing,deep bavckground checks,who the hell do you work for,the CIA!!! the government has their hand far enough up our asses the way it is without your nazi ideas!

    • Rouge1 April 9, 2021, 10:37 am

      Our voting laws should emulate our gun laws. There should be no problem since a tax or a background check or filing out an affidavit stating that you dont use illegal drugs under penalty of perjury isnt considered an infringement to a constitutional right.

  • Dr Motown April 7, 2021, 9:51 am

    Jails are for the peasants

  • paul April 6, 2021, 1:12 pm

    crazy joe can’t even raise or fix his family how did he ever get to be president?????

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