John Hinckley Jr. is an American citizen best known for his failed assassination attempt of President Ronald Reagan in 1981. The assassination attempt was the result of Hinckley’s obsession with actress Jodie Foster, and his attempt to impress her. After spending over 35 years in psychiatric hospitals, Hinckley was released in 2016 and now lives with his mother in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Early Life
John Hinckley Jr. was born on May 29, 1955 in Ardmore, Oklahoma. His father, John Hinckley Sr., was the president of World Vision United States, a Christian relief organization, and his mother, Jo Ann, was a homemaker. Hinckley was a bright child and a good student, but his parents described him as shy and introverted. He was a fan of Jodie Foster and her movies, and became increasingly obsessed with her.
Failed Assassination Attempt
On March 30, 1981, Hinckley attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in Washington, D.C. He fired six shots at Reagan and his entourage outside the Washington Hilton Hotel, wounding Reagan, press secretary James Brady, Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy, and police officer Thomas Delahanty. Hinckley was arrested immediately and later declared not guilty by reason of insanity.
Later Life
Hinckley was found to suffer from major depression and psychosis, and was ordered to be committed to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, a psychiatric facility in Washington, D.C. After 35 years of hospitalization, Hinckley was released in 2016. He now lives with his mother in Williamsburg, Virginia, and is under the supervision of a psychiatrist. He is also subject to several restrictions, including a ban on contacting any of his victims or their families.
John Hinckley Jr.’s failed assassination attempt of President Ronald Reagan in 1981 still remains one of the most notorious acts of violence in American history. After spending over 35 years in psychiatric hospitals, Hinckley was released in 2016 and now lives with his mother in Williamsburg, Virginia. His story serves as a reminder of the power of obsession, and the lasting effects of mental illness.
