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John Hinckley was released on Wednesday, 41 years after he shot President Ronald Reagan.
Hinckley, 67, tried to assassinate Reagan in 1981. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman had previously announced that Hinckley would be released on June 15. Hinckley’s lawyer Barry Levine confirmed the full release in an email to Fox News Digital.
“If he had not tried to assassinate the president, he would have been released unconditionally a long time ago,” Judge Friedman said at the time.
In addition to Reagan, Hinckley shot dead then-White House spokesman James Brady, as well as a Secret Service agent and a Washington police officer. Brady suffered from long-term health problems from the shooting and his death in 2014 was declared murder, although further charges against Hinckley were not prosecuted.
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Photo by John Hinckley Jr. on March 30, 1981 (Photo provided by the Bureau of Prisons / Getty Images)
Hinckley spent more than 30 years in a psychiatric hospital after pleading not guilty to attempted insanity. He received parole at his mother’s home in 2016, but those conditions were lifted on Wednesday and he is now completely free.
“After 41 years, 2 months and 15 days, FINALLY FREEDOM !!!” Hinckley wrote on Twitter.
FILE – James Brady and a police officer are seen lying on the ground after being shot while suspect John Hinckley Jr. was detained, right, after the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, Washington, DC, March 30, 1981. Photo by Dirck Halstead / Getty Images)
Hinckley has already turned his attention to a music career. He is scheduled to give a concert in Brooklyn on July 8.
“Many thanks to everyone who helped me get my unconditional release,” Hinckley wrote on June 1. “What a strange journey that has been. It’s time for rock’n’roll.”
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He has also posted much of his music on a public YouTube channel.
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