What You Need to Know
• John Hinckley Jr., who shot President Ronald Reagan in 1981, expressed well wishes for Jodie Foster.
• Hinckley stated he does not watch Foster’s films but hopes she has a good life.
• Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity and was released from psychiatric care in 2016.
John Hinckley Jr., who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981, spoke about Academy Award-winning actress Jodie Foster on “The Mark Joseph Show.” In a recent episode, Hinckley, now 71, conveyed his well wishes for Foster, stating, “I don’t really see her movies, but I wish her well.” Hinckley shot Reagan outside the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., resulting in injuries to several individuals, including former White House Press Secretary James Brady, who later died in 2014. Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity and spent decades in a psychiatric hospital before being released in 2016. A federal judge granted him full freedom from court oversight in 2022, citing his lack of violent behavior and mental illness symptoms since 1983.
Why It Matters
This story highlights the long-term consequences of the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan and its impact on those involved. John Hinckley Jr.’s actions were motivated by a desire to impress Jodie Foster, who gained fame as a teenager in “Taxi Driver.” The incident not only affected Reagan’s life but also resulted in significant injuries to others, including James Brady, whose legacy influenced gun control discussions in the U.S. Hinckley’s eventual release from psychiatric care underscores ongoing debates about mental health and public safety.
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