John Hinckley, who attempted an assassination attempt on former US President Ronald Reagan in 1981, regained his full freedom on Wednesday, six years after leaving a mental hospital.
In early June, a Washington court ruled that after decades of psychiatric treatment and evaluation, Hinckley now 67 was no longer a threat and the conditions imposed on him after his release would be lifted on June 15.
“After 41 years, two months and 15 days I’m free!!!” Hinckey tweeted Wednesday.
Hinckley shot Reagan and three others with a revolver outside a Washington hotel on March 30, 1981, claiming he did so because he wanted to impress actress Jodie Foster, who he became obsessed with after seeing the film. .
2 of 4 Hinckley tried to kill Ronald Reagan four decades ago and now plays music on Youtube — Photo: Youtube/John Hinckley
Hinckley tried to kill Ronald Reagan four decades ago and now plays music on Youtube — Photo: Youtube/John Hinckley
All four victims of the attack survived, although Reagan’s press secretary James Brady was partially paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair.
At the 1982 trial, Hinckley was found not guilty because of his mental condition and sent to St. Elizabeth’s, a Washington psychiatric facility, where he spent 34 years.
In September 2016, he was released but forced to live with his elderly mother in a gated community in Williamsburg, Virginia, under a long list of restrictions including surveillance of his movements, electronic devices, and online accounts.
3 of 4 Ronald Reagan in a 1984 photo — Photo: Getty Images
Ronald Reagan in a photo from 1984 — Photo: Getty Images
He was also barred from contacting Foster or traveling to areas where a current or past president, vice president, or member of Congress might be present.
Hinckley also could not speak to the media or post his memoirs on the internet or show them in person without permission.
A government report on Hinckley, presented to the court on May 19, said his mental status had “remained stable” and that his psychiatric illness had been “in complete and sustained remission for decades.”
“He has not reported or demonstrated any psychiatric symptoms consistent with mood, anxiety, or psychotic disorders,” the report said.
4 of 4 John Hinckley arrives in court in Washington November 19, 2003 — Photo: AP Photo/Evan Vucci
John Hinckley arrives in court in Washington on November 19, 2003 — Photo: AP Photo/Evan Vucci
In recent years, Hinckley has undergone music therapy, started playing the guitar and singing country folk songs on YouTube and other music sites.
In December he announced that he would release an album of his songs.