John Hinckley Jr. Is Starting His Own Political Party
They say politics is the last refuge for a scoundrel — and now, apparently, people who have attempted to assassinate a president.
John Hinckley Jr., who shot then-President Ronald Reagan in 1981, announced Wednesday that he is starting a new political group: the National Redemption Party, or NRP.
The 67-year-old said in a tweet that the NRP is “for peace, love, racial equality, LGBTQ Rights, Abortion Rights, the Green New Deal,” but opposes “the Mob that controls the music industry.”
I’m starting the National Redemption Party. We are for peace, love, racial equality, LGBTQ Rights, Abortion Rights, the Green New Deal. We oppose the Mob that controls the music industry. To join the NRP send address to johnhinckley413@yahoo.com to receive membership card. pic.twitter.com/SMxuxM9UrI
— John Hinckley (@JohnHinckley20) November 9, 2022
The bit about the music industry may be the real reason why Hinckley is forming the new party.
Although he has attempted to make a living as a singer-songwriter for the past 18 months and was freed in June from court oversight imposed after the 1981 attack, getting his career off the ground has been a struggle.
For instance, a concert scheduled for July 8 in Brooklyn, New York, was canceled due to backlash.
Some of Hinckley’s 52,000 Twitter followers expressed support for his new endeavor. But many were skeptical, for obvious reasons.
I love your music John, but let me put it this way: if I was known for trying to murder the most famous dog in the world, I probably wouldn't try to become a dog trainer in the future. It's all I'm sayin.
— scowler (@scowler_) November 9, 2022
Nah. Policies play well but the vibe's gotten way too B-movie cult villain around here. Real sinister. Hope this turns out to be a bit. pic.twitter.com/1ZHsggdtkS
— Neuroacustic Wizard (@StrangledBritt) November 9, 2022
A few raised concerns about a weird symbol shown behind Hinckley in a photo accompanying his announcement.
hey John you look cool for like a…uhhhh like an album cover or something; but black shirts and symbols with a lot of sharp angles…let’s just say they go together historically in a manner you don’t want to associate with too closely if you really mean a message of love & peace
— jon stark (@yesjonstark) November 9, 2022
Others felt obligated to make subtle puns referencing his past.
Great job John. Who’s your next target
— Notveryold (@NotVeryOld) November 9, 2022
need to hear that gun rights stance, but everything else i love
— Jupiter “Shinzo” Kennedy Jr. (@jupitersscourge) November 9, 2022
I think you got a shot!
— Will (@Rundigity) November 9, 2022
Armed and ready.
— Rob Israel (@robisraelart) November 9, 2022
One person wondered who else might be supporting the party.
is this Jodie Foster approved
— Za'GOATius Smith (7-1) (@Mike_Stawrr_14) November 9, 2022
Hinckley wounded Reagan after he opened fire on the president outside a Washington hotel, while also partially paralyzing then-press secretary James Brady and injuring two other men.
He was found not guilty due to insanity and spent most of his confinement in a Washington mental hospital.
You can hear his latest song below.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.