A Charles Manson follower who tried to assassinate US President Gerald Ford was freed from prison today after 34 years behind bars.

THE Charles Manson follower convicted of attempting to assassinate US president Gerald Ford will be released from a Texas prison later this month after serving more than 30 years behind bars.

“WE HAVE to be concerned about trigger-happy Americans armed here,” MEP Patricia McKenna said on the television news on Monday evening.