Hunter Biden, the son of the president, is indicted on federal gun charges

18-24-61-B-17-17-4@lemmy.world to News@lemmy.world – 293 points –
Hunter Biden indicted on federal gun charges
nbcnews.com
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He is charged with lying about using drugs in order to buy a gun. Today I learned it is illegal in the USA to have a gun if you have ever used drugs. Alright police.... Go round up all the guns from anyone who has ever used drugs.

Republicans. Because they are jonesing for a way to impeach the other guy so they can feel better about Trump.

The son of the other guy, but same thing I guess lol

I'm pretty sure Hunter is just a lever to pull to try to stain Biden.

To be fair, the outrageous allegations I've heard the Republicans make would be insanely problematic and evil if true, but I just haven't seen any reasonable evidence to think they are. If I saw the evidence I'd want Biden impeached in a heartbeat. Nobody is above the law.

Used drugs... ever??

That sounds quite absurd honestly. So who would be left to even own guns? People who never even touched alcohol once in their life? I feel like that's almost nobody left in the US.

The text of the statute refers to someone who is "an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance," so alcohol wouldn't count. You're asked on the form to attest that you are not either a current user or addict, so I don't think past use applies either. You just can't both own a gun and do illegal drugs simultaneously, which I guess they think they can prove Hunter did. It's one of those stupid laws that can be enacted selectively to add charges and put people in prison for longer.

I've never been asked if about prior drug use in connection with buying a firearm. Is it normal to ask that? Or is it something that isn't asked about and happens to be obscurely illegal?

Pretty sure it's the first question on the form you have to fill out. I believe all the answers are no, but it's been a while.

You've never done an ATF 4473? It's required if buying from a dealer. It may vary by state for private sales.

Yes, they said iirc it says are you now or have you ever been addicted to xyz.

Ed: Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance? Warning: The use or possession of marijuana remains unlawful under Federal law regardless of whether it has been legalized or decriminalized for medicinal or recreational purposes in the state where you reside.

Yeah, it's only about current use, not past use, that's true.

Yes you have. You just didn't read the documents you signed.