The man who tried to assassinate US President Ronald Reagan in 1981 has been released from a Washington mental hospital for good.
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In July, a federal judge granted Hinckley full-time leave, saying Hinckley is no longer a threat to himself and others.
As a 25-year-old college dropout, Hinckley had grown fixated upon Jodie Foster and Martin Scorsese’s film Taxi Driver, in which she played a teenage prostitute.
President Reagan and three others were injured in the shooting.
Hinckley said he stalked and shot Regan in an effort to impress actress Jody Foster.
Hinckley used an insanity defense during his trial, and was committed to a mental hospital for treatment.
“It’s not a matter of forgiveness but a matter of security”, said Joe Mann, a vocal critic of the release who lives about a half-mile from Hinckley’s mother. Levine called that “misplaced fear”, citing a lengthy court opinion based on medical experts who testified that Hinckley was stable and had been in remission for more than 27 years.
AFP/AFP/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, UNITED STATES: This 30 March 1981 file photo shows John Hinckley Jr.
Reagan’s family have said they are strongly opposed to Hinckley’s release – and previous year, his daughter Patti wrote: “I hope the doctors are right when they say that John Hinckley isn’t a danger to anyone, but something in me feels they are wrong”.
Before departing, Hinckley walked around and got into a auto with some people wishing him good luck, the worker said. Further, Hinckley’s release and the new set of restrictions are meant to help him integrate in back into his community.
The judge also said Hinckley could be returned to St. Elizabeths if he relapses or violates the terms of his release.
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Until Saturday, Hinckley was spending 17 days each month at his mother’s home.
