How was Hunter Biden’s Gun Found?
On February 28, 2021, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced that a gun linked to President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden had been found by Wilmington, Delaware, Police in a pond near Biden’s home. The revelation sparked a series of intense investigations and political debates surrounding Hunter Biden’s personal and professional life.
How did the gun end up in the pond?
According to police reports and forensic analysis, the Remington 7400 hunting rifle was last seen at a gun shop in August 2018. However, it remains unclear why Hunter Biden took the rifle to the shop or whether he purchased any ammunition for it. After leaving the shop, the rifle seemingly vanished, and its subsequent whereabouts remained unknown until it was discovered in the pond more than two years later.
How was the gun found?
In October 2020, local residents in the Rehoboth Beach neighborhood, where Biden’s residence is located, reported an abandoned gun lying in the nearby pond. The first 911 call was received on October 23, 2020, stating that a "gun lying on the grass" in the pond had been observed. Further investigation by the Wilmington Police Department’s (WPD) gun unit, led by Sergeant James Allen, resulted in the discovery of a shell casing, which initially went unnoticed. It took almost six months before the second 911 call was made, on April 7, 2021, describing the same gun abandoned in the pond.
Contents
Investigation Process
Following the discovery, WPD began an intense investigation, including:
- Forensic analysis of the shell casing
- Digital forensics examination of the gun, which revealed its serial number and manufacturer
- Surveillance footage review
- Interviewing local residents and investigating nearby businesses
- Matching ballistic evidence with known rifle patterns
Rifle Identification
After identifying the Remington 7400’s manufacturer and serial number, ATF agents confirmed that it matched the gun Hunter Biden purchased in August 2018. The rifle had a distinctive stock and an added scope, which ultimately helped investigators pinpoint its identity.
How was Hunter Biden linked to the gun?
As the investigation continued, authorities found that Hunter Biden had purchased a replacement scope for the gun in 2018. Additionally, video surveillance footage showed Hunter Biden in the area around the time the rifle was discovered. The combination of forensic evidence and witness accounts linking Hunter Biden to the rifle led to his potential involvement in the case.
Legal Implications
In December 2022, Hunter Biden was confronted by the Senate Judiciary Committee over his gun ownership. Biden denied any wrongdoing or criminal activity involving the firearm, stating that he never pointed the gun at another human being and had "nothing to hide." No criminal charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing.
Timeline
Here is a summary of key events surrounding the Hunter Biden gun discovery:
• August 2018: Hunter Biden purchases the Remington 7400 hunting rifle.
• October 2020: First 911 call regarding a gun in the nearby pond.
• October-November 2020: WPD’s gun unit investigates and collects ballistic evidence.
• April 7, 2021: Second 911 call reports the same abandoned gun in the pond.
• October 28, 2021: ATF confirms the rifle belongs to Hunter Biden.
• December 2022: Hunter Biden is questioned by the Senate Judiciary Committee about the gun.
The case highlights the importance of meticulous forensic analysis, dedicated investigation, and the importance of ensuring public safety. Although the investigation is ongoing, it has sparked intense discussions surrounding Hunter Biden’s life, including his gun ownership and potential conflicts of interest.
