John Hinckley Jr.: From Reagan Assassination Attempt to YouTube Folk Singer

Exactly 43 years have gone by since John Hinckley Jr. infamously attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan.

After being found not guilty by reason of insanity for the attempted assassination, Hinckley spent decades in psychiatric care.

Since his 2016 release, he has aimed to reshape his legacy through a music career, finally releasing work under his own name after years of sharing anonymously.

As reported by Far Out, Hinckley acknowledges the inseparable nature of his past: "There will always be an elephant in the room". Yet, he sees music as redemption: "Music is my salvation. I am trying to redeem myself through my music and art”. He cites influences like the Beatles and Bob Dylan, aiming to stay in the "folk music vein".

Hinckley carefully crafts his online persona, stating "I want to show the world that I am a different person from the wreck in 1981." His YouTube performances and quirky details (clocks, cat paintings) add layers to his public image.

However, he's faced numerous concert cancellations, leading him to claim, "I'm a victim of cancel culture. It keeps happening over and over again."

His latest postponed show was set for Hotel Huxley in Connecticut on the 43rd anniversary of the Reagan attack. Hinckley cites similar cancellations in New York, Georgia, Chicago, and Virginia.

This isn't the first time his performances have faced backlash. His sold-out Brooklyn debut in 2022 was also canceled after the venue, Market Hotel, received criticism and concerns about public safety.

While growing an online fanbase, Hinckley faces real-world obstacles as a musician: "Music venues keep canceling on me... Once the concert is announced, they cancel. It's happened about ten times." He attributes this to backlash and considers performing overseas.

Hinckley believes in the power of his music to change minds: "To my critics: listen to my songs!" He promotes his releases on his YouTube channel.