PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — The recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania has sparked more than just politicians to take to commenting on social media.
John Hinckley Jr., the man who attempted the assassination of President Ronald Reagan in 1981, has taken to X, formerly Twitter, to condemn violence.
The social media post reads: “Violence is not the way to go. Give peace a chance.”
Violence is not the way to go. Give peace a chance.
— John Hinckley (@JohnHinckley20) July 17, 2024
Trump was injured after a bullet grazed his ear at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13. Additionally, a former firefighter, attending the rally, was killed while shielding his family, and two others were hurt.
Although Trump was not specifically mentioned in Hinckley’s post, many have interpreted this as a response to the recent shooting at the Trump rally.
Individuals have been taking jabs at the post, saying that Hinckley’s sentiment was perhaps a little ironic considering his own history.
Hinckley currently resides in Williamsburg and was granted unconditional release in June of 2022. For around 34 years, he spent his time at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington D.C.
In previous Only On 10 coverage from March, 10 On Your Side interviewed Hinckley who said he is turning his life around through his music.
Editor’s note: The video above is from an exclusive interview WAVY conducted with John Hinckley Jr. in March.
“I had a lot of therapy,” Hinckley said, back in March. “I had a lot of time outside on the grounds. I developed a cat colony at the hospital when I was out on my grounds privileges. I took care of a bunch of cats and they helped me get through my day.”
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.
