Ronald Reagan gunman John Hinckley Jr. to be freed

John W. Hinckley Jr., the man who attempted to murder then US president Ronald Reagan on March 30 1981, will be released into his mother's care as early as next month after spending more than 35 years in a psychiatric hospital.

In a 103-page federal court order, U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman of Washington writes that Hinckley, who is now 61 years old, is no longer a danger to himself or others.

Reports from various sources said he could be freed as soon as 5 August on “convalescent leave". The release, however, is subject to strict guidelines. He must reportedly live at his mother's home and is restricted to a 50-mile radius of the location. He must inform his doctors before going to any private residence.

He also has been ordered to turn over information about his mobile phone and vehicles he will be driving, and is barred from accessing social media, uploading any content or erasing any browser history from his computer.

Hinckley is expected to continue treatment at St. Elizabeth's Hospital no less than once a month. For each visit, the U.S. Secret Service will provide Hinckley's time of departure from Williamsburg as well as the intended travel route two weeks in advance, the court says.

Hinckley, who shot Reagan and three others outside the Washington Hilton hotel on was found not guilty by reason of insanity at a 1982 trial and ordered confined for treatment at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Reagan was shot in the lung, but recovered. His press secretary James Brady was shot in the head, suffered brain damage and being paralysed for life. Brady's death in 2014 at the age of 73 was ruled as homicide. Two law enforcement officers also suffered less serious injuries in the shooting.