The man who tried to assassinate former US President Ronald Reagan in 1981 to impress actress Jodie Foster was released on Wednesday, six years after being released from a psychiatric hospital.
A court recently ruled that after ten years of psychological counseling and surveillance, John Hinckley no longer poses a threat to society and can be released from trial on June 15. “After 41 years, two months and 15 days, FINALLY FREEDOM,” he tweeted, now 67 and dedicated to music.
After 41 years 2 months and 15 days FREEDOM FINALLY!!!
On March 30, 1981, John Hinckley shot and killed the former Republican head of state as he left a hotel in Washington. One of the bullets ricocheted off the armored presidential limousine and hit Ronald Reagan in the chest. Three people were injured in the attack.
The then-young man, who had been obsessed with Jodie Foster since the release of Taxi Driver, said he wanted to impress the actress. John Hinckley was declared insane by the court.
After more than 30 years in a psychiatric hospital, John Hinckley was allowed to move in with his mother in a safe residential area of Williamsburg, 240 kilometers south of Washington, in 2016.
The rules of his judicial control were strict: in particular, the man had to report any movements (with notes, schedules and possible incidents), receive regular medical treatment and keep a diary of his daily activities.
John Hinckley was also banned from contacting Jodie Foster and members of her family, descendants of Ronald Reagan, or anyone who was closest to the other victims.
His mental state is now “stable”, according to court documents.
“If he hadn’t tried to kill the president, he would have been given free rein a long time ago,” Judge Paul Friedman said in September.
