The movie also
starred Jodie Foster, who played a child prostitute in
the movie, and John Hinckley Jr. became infatuated with
the actress. John Hinckley Jr. stalked the actress but
when his attempts to form a relationship with her failed
he decided to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in a
misguided effort to impress the unfortunate actress.
John Hinckley Letter to Jodie Foster
The words of the John Hinckley Letter to Jodie Foster
that was written on March 29, 1980,
the day before the Reagan assassination attempt.
Dear Jodie:
There is definitely a possibility that I will be killed in my
attempt to get Reagan. It is for this very reason that I am writing
you this letter now.
As you well know by now I love you very much. Over the past seven
months I've left you dozens of poems, letters and love messages in
the faint hope that you could develop an interest in me. Although we
talked on the phone a couple of times I never had the nerve to
simply approach you and introduce myself. Besides my shyness, I
honestly did not wish to bother you with my constant presence. I
know the many messages left at your door and in your mailbox were a
nuisance, but I felt that it was the most painless way for me to
express my love for you.
I feel very good about the fact that you at least know my name and
how I feel about you. And by hanging around your dormitory, I've
come to realize that I'm the topic of more than a little
conversation, however full of ridicule it may be. At least you know
that I'll always love you. Jodie, I would abandon the idea of
getting Reagan in a second if I could only win your heart and live
out the rest of my life with you, whether it be in total obscurity
or whatever.
I will admit to you that the reason I'm going ahead with this
attempt now is because I cannot wait any longer to impress you. I've
got to do something now to make you understand, in no uncertain
terms, that I'm doing all of this for your sake! By sacrificing my
freedom and possibly my life, I hope to change your mind about me.
This letter is being written only an hour before I leave for the
Hilton Hotel. Jodie, I'm asking you to please look into your heart
and at least give the chance, with this historical deed, to gain
your love and respect.
I love you forever,
John W. Hinckley |