John Hinckley Jr., who infamously attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981, recently canceled a scheduled performance in New York City, citing concerns about the city’s safety. He described New York as a “cesspool of crime” and mentioned that his fans had advised him against performing there due to the high levels of violent crime. Hinckley, who had previously complained about being a victim of cancel culture after a Connecticut show was scrapped, decided to pull out of the New York performance, claiming it would not be safe for him or the audience.
An interview with The Post revealed that over a dozen of Hinckley’s previous gigs had been canceled due to controversy, and there were safety concerns associated with his upcoming performances. Despite having a strong fan base in the New York City area, Hinckley felt it was too dangerous to proceed with the show. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the assassination attempt on President Reagan and has since undergone significant mental health treatment and rehabilitation.
The attack on President Reagan by Hinckley resulted in several injuries, with James Brady, the press secretary, sustaining the most serious wounds. Brady became a prominent advocate for gun control and spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair due to his injuries. Hinckley’s motivation for the assassination attempt was influenced by the movie “Taxi Driver” and his infatuation with actress Jodie Foster. He was released under supervision in 2016, and has consistently claimed that he is a changed man and no longer poses a threat to society.
Despite his troubled past, Hinckley has been focusing on his music career, releasing songs on YouTube and even considering opening a music venue near his hometown. The cancellation of his New York City performance, which was selling tickets at a rapid pace, highlighted the challenges he faces due to safety concerns and controversy surrounding his appearances. Hinckley expressed his disappointment at not being able to perform in New York City but emphasized the importance of safety for both himself and his audience.
Hinckley’s views on New York City reflect his perception of the city as increasingly dangerous, citing incidents of violence and crime reported in the news. He remains apprehensive about performing in a city where he feels safety cannot be guaranteed. Despite his desire to grow his music career and connect with his fans, concerns about his personal safety and the potential for backlash have caused Hinckley to be cautious about where he chooses to perform. The cancellation of the New York show due to safety concerns highlights the complexities of navigating a post-cancellation culture landscape as a public figure with a controversial past.
