President Joe Biden has pardoned his son Hunter Biden, who was convicted of federal gun charges and is scheduled to be sentenced in December.

Despite assurances from the White House last month that the president had no intention of pardoning his son, the announcement that he had pardoned him came Sunday evening.

In a statement, he said, “Today I signed a pardon for my son Hunter” for what he called a “miscarriage of justice.”

“From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere in the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I have kept my word, even as I watched my son be selectively and unfairly prosecuted became,” he wrote.

President Biden also mentioned “political opponents in Congress,” whom he credited with inciting the charges and causing a deal negotiated in July to collapse in August.

The statement concluded: “Here is the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with it, I also believe that raw politics has infected this process and led to a miscarriage of justice – and as I made this decision “I hope Americans will understand why a father and a president come to this decision.”

Over the summer, a jury found the younger Biden guilty of three felonies related to purchasing and possessing a firearm while addicted to drugs. And in September, Hunter Biden agreed to plead guilty to nine tax-related charges, including three felonies, on the eve of what is expected to be a lengthy and grueling trial.

Hunter Biden faces up to 17 years in prison and a $1.35 million fine on the tax charges. His conviction for weapons possession could result in a prison sentence of up to 25 years.

Hunter Biden was scheduled to be sentenced in the coming weeks on both counts – Dec. 12 on the gun-related charges in Delaware and Dec. 16 on the tax charges in California.

Asked about the president’s intentions to pardon Hunter Biden on November 7, shortly after the election results were announced in Donald Trump’s favor, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said: “We’ve been asked this question several times. Our answer is written, which is no.”

She declined to comment on other presidential pardons before the end of his term, including any pardons by government officials or people threatened with legal action by President-elect Donald Trump.

President Biden also previously told ABC News’ David Muir in an interview in June that he had no intention of pardoning his son.

He said at the time that he would accept the results of the trial.

At a White House briefing in June, President Biden also said: “I am extremely proud of my son Hunter. He overcame an addiction. He’s – he’s one of the smartest and most decent men I know.”

He added: “I said I would abide by the jury’s decision and that is what I will do. And I won’t pardon him.”

Hunter Biden was spotted vacationing with his family in Nantucket last week.

On Sunday, he released a statement that said: “I have acknowledged and taken responsibility for my mistakes in the darkest days of my addiction – mistakes that were exploited to publicly humiliate and shame myself and my family for political sport .” Despite all of this, I have maintained my sobriety for more than five years thanks to my deep faith and the unwavering love and support of my family and friends. In my addiction I missed many opportunities and advantages. In recovery, we can be given the opportunity to make amends where possible and rebuild our lives if we never take for granted the grace we have been given.”

The statement continued: “I will never take for granted the grace given to me today and will dedicate the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering.”

Within an hour of President Biden’s pardon, Hunter Biden’s legal team filed perfunctory notices with the courts in both criminal cases. Lawyers wrote: “The President’s pardon calls into question Mr. Biden’s outstanding and outstanding conviction and sentence in this case and requires an automatic dismissal of the charges without prejudice.”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.