Ronald Reagan's Would-Be Assassin To Be Freed From Hospital 35 Years After Shooting
July 27 2016, Published 1:31 p.m. ET
The man responsible for the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan has been released from a government psychiatric hospital.
According to The Washington Post, a federal judge ruled John W. Hinckley Jr. is no longer a danger to himself or others on July 27.
"After thirty-four years as an impatient at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, and in view of the foregoing findings, and the successful completion of over 80 ... visits to Williamsburg over the last 10 years, the Court finds that Mr. Hinckley has received the maximum benefits possible in the in-patient setting," U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman wrote. "The court finds by the preponderance of the evidence that Mr. Hinckley will not be a danger to himself or to others if released on full-time convalescent leave to Williamsburg under the conditions proposed."
The 61-year-old has been in custody since he tried to assassinate the former president with an automatic rifle outside of the Washington Hilton on March 30, 1981.
Hinckley shot three others during the attempted assassination.
The would-be assassin will live full-time with his mother in Williamsburg, Virginia. He could be released as soon as August 5th and will continue to undergo temporary treatment and monitoring.
If he violates the terms, he could be forced to return to St. Elizabeth's.
Are you surprised by the release? Tell us in the comments!
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