On This Day: June 21, 1982 – John Hinckley Verdict Shocks the Nation | We Love the Eighties – 80s Radio, Forums, and Pop Culture Community

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Overview Discussion

Jun 21, 2025

Pete

Mr. Eighties

Pete has published a news story:

On This Day: June 21, 1982 – John Hinckley Verdict Shocks the Nation.

On this day June 21, 1982, a jury found John Hinckley Jr. not guilty by reason of insanity for the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan. The decision followed a high-profile trial that captivated the nation after Hinckley shot and wounded President Reagan, Press Secretary James Brady, a police officer, and a Secret Service agent outside the Washington Hilton Hotel in March 1981.

The verdict sparked public outrage and intense political debate over the insanity defense. Many...

Read the full story here...