Ronald Reagan's would-be assassin to be freed from federal oversight after 41 years

A federal judge on Wednesday is set to rule in favor of releasing former President Ronald Reagan’s would-be assassin from all remaining restrictive conditions, effectively making him a free man for the first time since he was arrested in 1981.  

In September of last year, U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Friedman said he would free John Hinckley from restrictions on June 15 as long as Hinkley continues to demonstrate good behavior and improved mental health, the AP reported.

Before Wednesday’s hearing, the judge noted that Hinckley, 67, has displayed no symptoms of active mental illness, violent behavior or an interest in weapons since 1983 and officials believe the judge’s ruling will lift any remaining restrictions on the ex-con on June 15.

"If he hadn’t tried to kill a president he would have been released unconditionally a long time ago," Friedman previously noted.a

Similarly, in a status report filed before the hearing, prosecutors who have overseen Hinckley’s treatment for years stated that they believe he “has recovered his sanity such that he does not present a danger to himself or others because of mental illness if unconditionally released.”

Following the 1981 assassination attempt, Hinkley was confined to a mental hospital in the nation’s capital for more than 20 years after being found not guilty by reason of insanity. Beginning in 2003, however, Friedman began allowing him to begin staying with his parents so long as he adhered to requirements like attending therapy and restrictions on where he can travel. He has been living full-time in Virginia since 2016, Fox News reported.

This is a developing story.