Reagan Shooter Seeks More Time on the Outside

(Newser) – Ronald Reagan shooter John Hinckley is seeking more time outside a mental health facility, and might leave permanently, AP reports. Hinckley was sent to a Washington mental hospital after a jury decided he was insane when he wounded the president and three others in 1982. But he was granted a series of 10-day visits to his mother's Virginia home two years ago, and won permission to get a driver's license, reports the Washington Post.

Attorneys will argue in court today for Hinckley to be granted two 17-day visits and six 24-day visits to stay with his elderly mom. St. Elizabeth's Hospital is also seeking permission to be allowed to place Hinckley, now 56, on "convalescent leave" without court supervision, which could lead to Hinckley leaving the facility permanently. Prosecutors will argue that the plan is "premature and ill-conceived," and that Hinckley remains a danger. They're particularly concerned about his continued "inappropriate feelings" about women. He said he shot the president to impress actress Jodie Foster.