WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) — For someone who targeted and shot a U.S. president, John Hinckley Jr. admits he wasn’t a very political person — then or now.
“My family, they loved President Reagan, I liked President Reagan, so it was never a sense of animosity,” Hinckley said. “I’m just so glad that he survived my assassination attempt. But when he passed, I had a sense of sadness.”
For about 34 years, he spent his time at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington D.C. He attended numerous group and one-on-one therapy sessions. When it got to be overwhelming, Hinckley turned to a form of pet therapy.
“I had a lot of therapy,” Hinckley said. “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.”
He was granted unconditional release in June of 2022.
“I was elated,” Hinckley said. “After 41 years!”
Being on unconditional release, Hinckley is free to travel wherever he wants. This concerned Patti Davis — Reagan’s daughter — and prompted a statement from her, saying Hinckley was now free to show up on her doorstep. Hinckley responded saying Davis doesn’t need to be concerned.
“I’m not a dangerous person, I’m only looking for the good things in life,” Hinckley said. “Patti Davis doesn’t have a thing to worry about from me.”
Hinckley appears to want a simple life.
“Now, I’m just so happy to have my freedom and be living here in Williamsburg,” Hinckley said. “And things are going very well here, people leave me alone here and I’m happy, you know.”
He’s returned to a pastime he’s clung to since he was a boy — songwriting. It seemed as though this may be what gave him meaning and purpose after spending the better part of 41 years focusing on his past.
“Life can be difficult and trying to overcome your hard times and things will get better,” Hinckley said. “Never give up. Never give up.”
Hinckley said he still hopes a venue will book him in the future. In the meantime, the 43rd anniversary of the attempt on Reagan’s life is Saturday, March 30.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.
