John Hinckley Jr., who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981, recently announced on X (formerly Twitter) his plans to open a music store in Williamsburg, Virginia. The store's opening is expected within the next couple of weeks, though the name hasn't been revealed yet. This announcement has sparked a wide range of reactions, from lighthearted jokes to serious expressions of outrage.
Hinckley has been pursuing a music career since his full release in 2022. He regularly posts original songs on his YouTube channel and has performed several live concerts. He's even announced an upcoming performance scheduled for February. This new venture into retail appears to be an extension of his musical aspirations.
John Hinckley Jr. says he is opening a music store in Virginia. (Screenshot/CBSMornings)
In this Nov. 18, 2003, file photo, John Hinckley Jr. arrives at U.S. District Court in Washington. In an interview, Hinckley admitted to killing former White House press secretary James Brady. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
John Hinckley, Jr. mugshot in on March 30, 1981. (Bureau of Prisons, Getty Images)
Hinckley's X followers have offered a mixed bag of responses. Some have expressed support for his new endeavor, while others have questioned the appropriateness of his freedom, given his past actions. The incident in question occurred on March 30, 1981, when Hinckley shot four people, including President Reagan and Press Secretary James Brady. Brady's death in 2014 was ultimately ruled a homicide due to complications stemming from the shooting.
After the assassination attempt, Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity and spent over three decades in a mental institution. He was granted a conditional release to his mother's care in 2016, and those conditions were lifted in 2022, granting him full freedom.
