John Hinckley Jr. reflects on Reagan assassination attempt and Jodie Foster

John Hinckley Jr., the man who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981, spoke in a rare interview on ‘The Mark Joseph Show’ podcast. Now 71, Hinckley reflected on the motivations behind the shooting, which he carried out in an attempt to impress actress Jodie Foster after becoming obsessed with her following her role in ‘Taxi Driver’.

Hinckley described his past intentions as ‘delusional,’ admitting he had hoped to form a ‘union’ with Foster and live his life with her. He expressed that he does not follow her current film career but stated, ‘I just wish Jodie Foster well... I hope she has a good life.’

Additionally, Hinckley revealed that Ronald Reagan had expressed interest in visiting him at St. Elizabeths Hospital following the shooting. However, hospital officials reportedly blocked the meeting, advising the President, ‘please don’t do that.’ Hinckley noted that he never held animosity toward Reagan and believed a meeting would have been a respectful opportunity to seek forgiveness.