Reagan shooter bids for freedom

Failed assassin John Hinckley, who has been in a psychiatric hospital since trying to kill former US President Ronald Reagan in 1981, is applying for more freedom today.

His lawyers are asking a Washington judge to allow five-day, unsupervised visits every two weeks at his parents’ home in Virginia.

Since late last year, Hinckley has been allowed shorter visits with them, and now his lawyers say he is ready for longer trips.

US government lawyers oppose the request, saying these trips are not appropriate.

In court papers, they reminded the judge that in trying to kill Reagan – an attempt to impress actress Jodie Foster – Hinckley shot three other people, including White House press secretary James Brady.

Brady was permanently disabled and has been confided to a wheelchair ever since.

Hinckley has lived at St Elizabeths hospital in Washington since he was acquitted of the shootings in 1982 by reason of insanity.

Since then, experts have determined that he has made substantial progress, and his lawyers claim he has proven that he poses no danger to himself or others.

Their motion is part of an incremental effort they hope will eventually allow Hinckley to leave the hospital and live with his family permanently.

His lawyers say he will spend the time away from the hospital looking for work and education opportunities “so that he can work towards becoming a productive, self-sufficient member of society.