John Hinckley Jr. leaves DC mental hospital for Virginia

Hinckley will be able to travel – he got a driver’s license in 2011 and the court order in his case lets him drive within 30 miles of Williamsburg by himself. Now, Hinckley, 61, faces the task of putting together a life outside the institution.

Some in Kingsmill, the gated Williamsburg community Hinckley will call home, said forgiveness is beside the point.

Hinckley fired six shots in 1981 outside a hotel in Washington in a deranged attempt to impress actress Jodie Foster, striking the then president – almost fatally.

If all goes well after a year, Hinckley may be granted the opportunity to live with roommates or even alone.

Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the 1981 shooting of Mr Reagan, his press secretary James Brady and two law enforcement officers outside a Washington hotel. In 2003, he was allowed day visits with his family, and since then has been granted longer visits and now has been spending about 17 days a month with his mother.

To this Hinckley’s lawyer Barry Levine countered that the doctors have cleared his client as being safe. Levine called that “misplaced fear”, citing a lengthy court opinion based on medical experts who testified that Hinckley was stable and had been in remission for more than 27 years.

The Federal Prosecutor who tried Hinckley told NBC ” I don’t think that anybody who tries to nullify a national election with a bullet should ever been walking free, no matter what their mental state. Before departing, Hinckley walked around and got into a auto with some people wishing him good luck, the worker said.

St. Elizabeths Hospital confirmed that all patients scheduled for discharge have left the hospital on Saturday morning. “Contrary to the judge’s decision, we believe John Hinckley is still a threat to others and we strongly oppose his release”. He is also required to carry a GPS-enabled phone, avoid government buildings and continue regular psychiatric treatment.

The judge also said Hinckley could be returned to St. Elizabeths if he relapses or violates the terms of his release.

The Associated Press reported Hinckley will have to work or volunteer at least three days a week. Secret Service agents have tracked him during each trip. He has gone bowling, attended lectures and concerts, and volunteered at a nearby church, where he was offered a job this summer, according to court records.