John Hinckley Jr. Sends Jodie Foster a Wish 45 Years After Reagan Shooting
John Hinckley Jr., who attempted to kill President Ronald Reagan in 1981, recorded a brief message wishing actress Jodie Foster well.
During a 2024 podcast, John Hinckley Jr. reflected on his 1981 attempt to assassinate President Ronald Reagan, stating that his motive was a misguided fantasy of marrying actress Jodie Foster. He described how, at the time, he believed she would eventually join him regardless of whether he was jailed or hospitalized. Hinckley, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity and confined to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for over 34 years before being released in 2022, offered a brief statement wishing Foster a good life.
The original attack occurred as Reagan left the Hilton Hotel in Washington DC, resulting in a punctured lung, a broken rib, and serious injuries to three others, including James Brady, who later died in 2014 after being paralyzed. Foster has previously spoken about the lasting impact of the incident on her personal safety and career. Hinckley's recent comment marks the 45th anniversary of the infamous shooting.
Why it matters
The story revisits a historic assassination attempt and shows how its perpetrator still references the actress who inspired his crime.
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