John Hinckley Jr., who shot Ronald Reagan to impress Jodie Foster, says he wishes her well

John Hinckley Jr., the man who shot former U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1981 in an effort to impress actress Jodie Foster, recently expressed his hopes for her well-being during a podcast interview. According to a preview of the episode published by Entertainment Weekly, Hinckley told host Mark Joseph that he wished Foster well and acknowledged that she was living a successful life. He added that he did not watch her films but hoped she continued to thrive. The remarks came nearly 44 years after the assassination attempt, which left Reagan wounded but alive and left others seriously injured. Hinckley opened fire on Reagan on March 30, 1981, as the president exited the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. He fired six shots, wounding Reagan, former White House press secretary James Brady, Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy, and Washington Metropolitan Police Officer Thomas Delahanty. Brady, who suffered severe injuries, remained paralyzed for the rest of his life and passed away in 2014. Reagan recovered from his wounds and later returned to public life, eventually becoming the oldest person to serve as president. McCarthy and Delahanty both survived their injuries. At the time of the attack, Hinckley was 25 years old. He had become obsessed with Foster, who was 18 at the time and had gained attention for her role in Martin Scorsese's 1976 film Taxi Driver. Hinckley believed that by targeting a high-profile political figure, he might gain Foster’s admiration. His actions led to a trial in which he was found not guilty by reason of insanity. As part of his sentencing, he was committed to a psychiatric facility for over three decades. In 2016, Hinckley was released from institutional care and placed under supervision in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he lived with his elderly mother. Conditions of his release required regular therapy sessions and limitations on his travel. A federal judge ruled in 2022 that Hinckley could live freely without further court oversight, citing that he had shown no signs of mental instability, violent tendencies, or interest in firearms since 1983. The Hilton Hotel, the site of Hinckley’s 1981 attack, made headlines again in April 2024 when a different individual attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. This marked the third such attempt on Trump’s life. While there is no direct connection between the two incidents, the recurrence of violence at the same location has drawn comparisons and raised questions among observers. Foster, who has since become one of Hollywood’s most decorated actresses, received widespread acclaim for her roles in films such as The Silence of the Lambs and Alien. She has not publicly commented on Hinckley’s recent remarks, and representatives for the actress have not responded to requests for clarification or reaction. Hinckley’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about the long-term effects of mental health issues and the legal system’s handling of individuals deemed unfit to stand trial. His case has been frequently cited in debates surrounding the insanity defense and the treatment of mentally ill individuals within the criminal justice system. Despite his release, Hinckley remains under scrutiny, particularly given the proximity of his past actions to current events involving national leaders. The incident at the Hilton Hotel in 1981 fundamentally changed the approach to presidential security. Following the attack, the Secret Service implemented stricter protocols, including enhanced screening procedures and increased protection measures for high-profile figures. These changes have influenced how subsequent administrations have managed security risks, especially in light of repeated threats against sitting presidents. As Hinckley continues to live independently, his presence in public discourse remains a point of contention. Some view his recent statements as a sign of personal growth and reflection, while others remain wary of his history and the potential implications of his freedom. His remarks about Foster, though brief, have reignited conversations about the legacy of the 1981 assassination attempt and its lasting impact on American politics and culture.