A federal judge approved a mental examination for John Hinckley, the would-be assassin who shot and wounded President Ronald Reagan.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia will hire a specialist to determine his mental condition and how dangerous he would be if granted his unconditional release, which he requested in the spring.
A hearing on his release is scheduled for mid-December in Washington, D.C. The mental is examination is scheduled to take place by Dec. 10.
Hinckley was transferred from a mental health hospital in 2016, where he’d served a 35-year commitment, to serve time in "convalescent leave" at his mother’s home in Williamsburg, Virginia. The leave requires Hinckley regularly report to court officials about his treatment and support.
The court records reviewed by News4 show Hinckley made a motion for unconditional release from his commitment in an April 30 hearing before a D.C. judge. A filing from prosecutors said Hinckley cited a code in D.C. law allowing people to seek release or changes in the conditions of their custody.
In May, News4 first reported delays in the completion of risk assessments in Hinckley’s case. A federal judge cited “unforeseen scheduling delays beyond the parties’ and the hospital’s control.”
As part of Hinckley’s 2016 release, the court ordered he have no contact with the Reagan family or with actress Jodie Foster, whom Hinckley said he was trying to impress when he shot the president in D.C. in March 1981. The court also barred Hinckley and his family from speaking with media.
Hinckley was 25 when he opened fire outside of the Washington Hilton, hitting Reagan in the chest — a moment captured by news crews. Press Secretary James Brady also was shot in the head. A police officer and a Secret Service agent also were wounded.
Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity and ordered to live at St. Elizabeths Hospital for treatment. Over the years, the court loosened restrictions on him.
