John W. Hinckley, Jr., will be released from a government psychiatric hospital to live full-time with his mother in Williamsburg, a federal judge ruled Wednesday. The decision comes more than 35 years after he attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan outside the Washington Hilton on March 30, 1981.
Hinckley, 61, has been visiting his 90-year-old mother at her home in Kingsmill Resort for several days at a time over past few years and will now be granted a full release to live with her permanently. Hinckley will receive treatment locally, including music therapy. In any long-term considerations involving Hinckley, his success with local treatment providers will be taken into account.
U.S. District Judge Paul L Friedman of Washington wrote that Hinckley no longer poses a danger to himself or others and will be freed to live with his mother as soon as Aug. 5. The judge’s order limits Hinckley to a 50-mile radius of Williamsburg. He will be required stay to out of contact with the media, his victims, their families, the U.S. president and members of Congress. He cannot consume alcohol or possess a weapon.
Read the full text of the court’s opinion here.
Related coverage:
- Judge Spells Out Conditions of Hinckley’s Visits to James City County
- Judge: More Time for Hinckley at Mother’s James City County Home
- Hinckley’s Care Administrator Defends Long-Term Residency in James City County
- Secret Service Says Hinckley Has Acted Appropriately During Historic Triangle Visits
- Hinckley’s Next Hearing Set for Feb. 25
- Federal Judge Calls for Status Hearing on Hinckley
- Hospital Files Petition to Grant Hinckley More Time in James City County
- Local Provider Pulls Out of Hinckley Treatment, Prosecutors Ask Judge to Deny Longer Visits
- Hinckley Lawyers Ask Court for More Visits to Williamsburg
- Hinckley to Gain Driving Privileges, Longer Kingsmill Visits
- Hinckley Wants to do Volunteer Work on Williamsburg Visits
- Hinckley Doctors Seek More Visits to Williamsburg
