A federal hearing is scheduled for next month on whether to expand release privileges of would-be presidential assassin John Hinckley, Jr.
Administrators of a Washington psychiatric hospital are asking a federal district judge for the changes. Hinckley has been committed to St. Elizabeths Hospital since he shot and wounded President Reagan in 1981. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
According to court records, the hospital has proposed that Hinckley be allowed several new privileges. The requests include an extension of visits to his mother's home in Williamsburg, Virginia, and the chance to do volunteer work.
The U.S. Attorney's office filed a motion to deny the hospital's request. Prosecutors said Hinckley's behavior continues to show risk factors for further violence.
Hinckley's attorneys filed a response to prosecutors, saying Hinckley has been in many conditional releases over the years "without a single negative incident."
A hearing on the proposed release changes is set for July 21st.
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