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WASHINGTON: John Hinckley, the man who tried to assassinate US president Ronald Reagan 40 years ago, looks set to be granted his unconditional release from next June.
Hinckley, 66, was found not guilty on grounds of insanity of shooting Reagan and three other men outside a Washington hotel on March 30, 1981.
He said he wanted to kill the president to impress the actress Jodie Foster, whom he became obsessed with after watching the film Taxi Driver.”
Hinckley was released under a strict set of conditions in 2016 from a Washington psychiatric hospital where he had been held since the assassination attempt.
The conditions included remaining within 50 miles (80 kilometres) of his mother’s home in Williamsburg, Virginia, and not traveling to any area where a current or former president, vice president or member of Congress is known to be.
According to court documents, a federal judge yesterday approved an agreement between the Justice Department and Hinckley’s lawyers that would lift the conditions in June 2022.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute issued a statement opposing the move, saying it was “saddened to hear of the decision.”
“Contrary to the judge’s decision, we believe John Hinckley is still a threat to others and we strongly oppose his release,” it said. “Our hope is that the Justice Department will file a motion with the court leading to a reversal of this decision.”
Reagan, his press secretary James Brady, a police officer and a Secret Service agent were wounded when Hinckley opened fire outside the Hilton Hotel in Washington. — AFP
