How Hunter Biden’s wife Melissa Cohen ‘kept her composure’, his uncle Jim sighed and Jill walked in late when the three guilty verdicts were read out

It was a test where Hunter Biden leaned on family members for emotional support – but not all were there when the jury returned its historic guilty verdict.

Whatever she felt inside, her wife Melissa Cohen didn’t show it to those who gathered in the Wilmington federal courtroom for the historic verdict. She managed to maintain a contested expression outside the court even after the guilty plea.

First lady Jill Bidenwho flew back from Europe last week to attend a day of the trial, was not in the courtroom at the crucial moment when the verdict was delivered.

Nor was the president’s daughter, Ashley, another member of the close-knit Biden clan.

Cohen, wearing a gray pinstripe outfit in a room full of attorneys and media, maintained a neutral composure in the courtroom as she faced the prospect of caring for son Beau, 4, while his father was in jail.

The president’s sister and longtime advisor Valerie also missed the dramatic conclusion.

Hunter Biden’s uncle James, who is being investigated by Republicans in the House of Representatives for his business dealings, was in the courtroom. The president’s brother sighed and crossed his arms as the jury read the verdict finding his nephew guilty on three counts: two counts of lying on a federal form during the purchase of a gun, and one of possession of the firearm while he was using drugs.

Hunter Biden left the courtroom hand-in-hand with stepmother Jill Biden and wife Melissa Cohen after the jury returned its guilty verdict in his federal gun case

Now that he has been convicted, the offenses could land Hunter in prison for up to 25 years pay a fine of up to $250,000The sentence imposed by Judge Maryellen Noreika is expected to be much lower.

The family members had supported Cohen during the trial last week, with his friend and ‘sugar bro’ Kevin Morris providing financial support while he was also present.

But the action that perhaps mattered most came from far away, from Hunter’s father, President Joe Biden, in the form of a statement from the president.

“I will accept the outcome of this case and continue to respect the legal process as Hunter considers an appeal,” the president said. “Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that.’

The verdict was the latest dramatic development in the years-long saga

Melissa Cohen smiled outside court after the guilty verdict. She maintained her composure in court on Tuesday

The president’s brother, James, sighed and crossed his arms as the jury read its verdict

Jill Biden regularly attended the trial and even flew back from Europe for an appearance

The president referred to the toll of addiction in his own statement. He has said he will not pardon his son

Biden referred to how “so many families have loved ones fight against addiction Understand the sense of pride in seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong,” after a trial that included evidence and emotional testimony about Hunter’s heavy drug and alcohol use.

He publicly stated before the sentencing that he would not pardon Hunter.

Hunter’s attorney Abbe Lowell explained in a statement that “we are of course disappointed by today’s verdict.” We respect the jury process,” he continued, pledging to “continue to vigorously pursue any legal challenges available to Hunter.”