On the solemn occasion of the 51st anniversary of the tragic car crash that claimed the lives of President Joe Biden’s first wife and daughter, the Biden family gathered for a private Mass at St. Joseph on the Brandywine near Wilmington.
President Biden, joined by First Lady Jill Biden, daughter Ashley Biden, and embattled son Hunter Biden with wife Melissa Cohen and their toddler Beau, participated in the reflective ceremony, as reported by the New York Post on Monday.
The family’s attendance at the Mass occurred against the backdrop of ongoing scrutiny surrounding Hunter Biden’s legal troubles and the House Republicans’ investigation into Joe Biden’s alleged involvement in his son’s foreign dealings during his vice presidency.
The anniversary of the devastating 1972 crash holds profound emotional importance for the family, prompting a visit to the graves of Neilia and Naomi Biden after the Mass. The Bidens paid their respects, emphasizing the personal significance of the day for the family.
However, the somber occasion was tinged with the persistent controversies surrounding Hunter Biden. Despite the emotional resonance of the anniversary, Hunter faces federal criminal charges related to gun violations in Delaware and tax fraud in Los Angeles.
Hunter’s decision to reject a probation-only plea deal in July, coupled with demands for assurances of immunity, has added complexity to his legal troubles.
The Biden family’s unity during the Mass and grave visit occurred amid a challenging political landscape for Joe Biden, including an ongoing impeachment inquiry. Allegations of improper support for Hunter and James Biden’s business dealings during his vice presidency have triggered investigations, intensifying the scrutiny on the President’s actions.
Republicans allege that Joe Biden improperly supported Hunter and James Biden’s business dealings, claiming that meetings with foreign associates led to unearned payments. Democrats maintain Biden’s innocence, with Hunter attributing past actions to his crack cocaine addiction following his brother Beau’s death in 2015.
The conflicting narratives underscore a contentious debate over the legitimacy of the Bidens’ business engagements, with accusations and defenses circulating amid ongoing scrutiny of the family’s financial activities.
Throughout the controversies, Joe Biden has consistently asserted that he never discussed business matters with his son’s foreign associates, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. The delicate balance between personal remembrance and public scrutiny highlights the complex dynamics the Biden family faces on this solemn anniversary.