'Attempted Assassination of Reagan' John Hinckley Fully Free After 41 Years

Declared Insane, Avoided Punishment... Confined in Psychiatric Hospital for Over 20 Years
Continued Treatment Under Probation
Plans to Hold Concert in Brooklyn, New York This July

John Hinckley, who attempted to assassinate former U.S. President Ronald Reagan in the past, will be completely free on the 15th.
Photo by John Hinckley YouTube capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] John Hinckley, who attempted to assassinate former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, is set to gain complete freedom after 41 years on the 15th.

According to the Associated Press on the 1st (local time), U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman stated at a hearing held in Washington D.C. for about an hour that if Hinckley continues to live well in the community as he has been, all remaining restrictions imposed on him will be lifted on the 15th, granting him full freedom.

At the hearing held without Hinckley present, Judge Friedman said, "He has undergone thorough examinations and passed all tests," adding, "He no longer poses a danger to himself or others."

Hinckley shot President Reagan with a pistol on March 30, 1981, at the Washington Hilton Hotel after Reagan had lunch with representatives of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and was returning to the White House. The shooting injured President Reagan, White House Press Secretary James Brady, a Washington police officer, and a Secret Service agent. The injured, including President Reagan, underwent surgery to remove the bullets and survived, but Press Secretary Brady suffered lifelong paralysis of the lower body as a consequence.

Hinckley was later found not guilty by reason of insanity and avoided punishment but was confined and treated in a psychiatric hospital in Washington for over 20 years. According to Hinckley’s attending physician, since the mid-1980s, he has shown no signs of mental illness, violent behavior, or interest in weapons.

Judge Friedman allowed Hinckley in 2003 to spend more time in the community under conditions of continued treatment and travel restrictions. Since 2016, Hinckley has been permitted to live with his mother in Virginia under conditions including allowing his case manager access to his electronic devices, emails, and online accounts, and notifying three days in advance of any travel over 120 km.

Hinckley is still required to undergo individual or group therapy and is prohibited from giving media interviews. Travel is allowed only within restricted areas, and in some locations, Secret Service (SS) agents must accompany him.

Meanwhile, Hinckley has showcased his guitar playing and singing skills on his YouTube channel and plans to release an official album. He is also scheduled to hold a concert in Brooklyn, New York, in July.