Would-Be Reagan Assassin John Hinckley Jr. on Trump Assassination Attempts & Jodie Foster Obsession

Hinckley explicitly states that his actions in 1981 were a direct result of severe mental illness, specifically atypical psychosis and depression. He describes having a 'dark heart' and thinking 'violent things' during that period, emphasizing that he is a 'totally different person' now. This illness led to delusions, particularly his belief in a 'real relationship' with Jodie Foster.

Hinckley states, 'I just had a really dark heart in 1981. I was, you know, thinking of violent things. And when I came out of my mental illness over the years... I just saw that violence... is not the way to go.' He also clarifies his diagnosis as 'atypical psychosis plus depression.'

Hinckley's attempt was driven by an obsessive infatuation with Jodie Foster, which he now recognizes as a delusion consistent with erotomania. He believed that shooting the president would impress her and lead to a 'magical union'. This obsession intensified after repeatedly watching the movie 'Taxi Driver', where Robert De Niro's character attempts violence to impress a woman.

Hinckley confirms, 'I thought I had a real relationship with Jodie... And then by shooting the president I would have this like magical union with her and she would be so impressed.' He adds, 'the obsession really started after I saw Taxi Driver a number of times.'

Hinckley criticizes the security protocols of 1981, noting the ease with which he obtained President Reagan's schedule from a newspaper and joined a press crowd outside the Washington Hilton without being screened or questioned. He contrasts this with modern security, suggesting that such public detailing of presidential movements is dangerous.

Hinckley recounts, 'I saw Reagan's schedule in the newspaper... And, I saw that he was going to be at the Washington Hilton.' He adds, 'no security, no no Secret Service was was really paying attention to us cuz I I was part of the press crowd.'

Despite public perception, Hinckley expresses profound remorse for his actions, particularly the injuries sustained by James Brady. He attributes his recovery from obsession and mental illness to years of psychiatric care and, significantly, a 22-year loving relationship with a fellow patient, Leslie DeVeau, which helped him overcome his delusions about Foster.

Hinckley states, 'It makes me feel very bad... that I hurt I hurt four people that day... I have tremendous remorse for what I did. I just re- I just wish I could take it all back.' He credits Leslie DeVeau: 'Leslie is the one who brought me out of the obsession that I had with Jodie.'

Hinckley offers a unique perspective on the debate about naming mass shooters, stating that if his name had been withheld from the public, he likely would not have committed the assassination attempt. He reveals that the desire for Jodie Foster to know who he was, and the subsequent fame, was a primary motivator.

When asked if he would have done it if his name was kept out of everything, Hinckley responds, 'I don't think I would have done it. I mean, the whole the whole point of it was to get Jodie's attention.'