CHICAGO — In an unexpected development, President Donald Trump recently commuted the federal sentence of Larry Hoover, one of Chicago’s notorious gang leaders, sparking discussions on whether this will lead to his release. Hoover, now 74, is held in what is regarded as the most secure federal prison in Colorado. He has garnered backing from public figures, including well-known rapper Ye. Initially jailed in Illinois for a murder committed in 1973, Hoover was later found guilty in federal court for managing a criminal enterprise while incarcerated.
Despite Trump’s commutation of his federal life sentence, Hoover still has to serve his long-standing sentence from Illinois. His advocates are currently exploring possibilities for his parole or pardon in Illinois, though there remains uncertainty surrounding his potential release and future detention location.
Hoover, over half a century ago, co-founded the Gangster Disciples, a notorious street gang in Chicago that, under his leadership, reportedly generated approximately $100 million annually from drug sales. According to Ron Safer, a former U.S. assistant attorney who prosecuted Hoover, he was the indubitable leader of the gang. Even from prison, Hoover managed to extend the gang’s influence nationwide across over two dozen states and continued to conduct operations.
While imprisoned, Hoover faced numerous federal charges, including operating a continual criminal enterprise, leading to his conviction in 1997. Consequently, he received a life sentence in 1998 and was transferred to Florence, Colorado’s “supermax” prison, where he has spent much time in solitary confinement.
Hoover’s influence extended beyond crime, permeating pop culture with ventures like launching a prison-inspired clothing line and establishing a political action committee. His “Ghetto Prisoner” fashion line initiated in 1995, intended to positively impact youths by resonating with their experiences in marginalized communities. He expressed, during a 1995 interview from Dixon Correctional Center, a desire to instigate collective realization and unity among them.
The political action committee he founded, called 21st Century V.O.T.E., motivated thousands to demonstrate at Chicago City Hall in the 1990s, leaving a significant mark. Hoover’s name was immortalized in the rap industry, notably in Rick Ross’ 2010 hit song “B.M.F.”, which venerated his authoritative stature. Celebrities such as Ye and Drake voiced their support for Hoover’s release, with Ye making a case for him during a notable Oval Office meeting with Trump in 2018. Their advocacy continued in 2021 with a benefit concert dubbed “Free Larry Hoover” in Los Angeles to spotlight prison reforms.
Trump’s decision to commute Hoover’s sentence has baffled many, including Safer, who views it as disappointing when considering the extensive trauma, fatalities, and addiction issues tied to gang conflicts. Safer contends that some crimes are so atrocious that they don’t merit leniency. Hoover’s various past attempts at sentence reduction or parole have been firmly denied, including a judge in 2021 rejecting a request for a reduced sentence. Moreover, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board dismissed his parole plea unanimously last year, repeating that in 2022 with a 10-1 vote.
Attorneys argue that Hoover, having become symbolic of gang culture, faces challenges in being reconsidered for resentencing, but assure that Hoover has transformed, now disavowing gang activities. Entering prison without literacy skills, Hoover educated himself, earning a GED and attending classes on robotics and art history. Currently, Hoover is qualified for a parole hearing in Illinois slated for later this year.
Jennifer Bonjean, one of his attorneys, emphasizes that Hoover is not accountable for all gang-related violence. Advocates, including Dubin and Moore, push for his pardon by governor JB Pritzker, highlighting the disparity in sentences among his co-defendants and advocating Hoover’s reigns to time served, given his health decline at 74 after 52 years in incarceration.
Governor Pritzker refrained from commenting on the matter. Hoover’s family, meanwhile, views the commutation as a positive step towards his release. Hoover’s son celebrated on social media, implying his father’s imminent return home. Although Trump declared Hoover’s immediate release, precise details concerning his transfer from the federal facility remain undetermined. Federal prison authorities affirmed Hoover is still in Colorado, with additional research required before setting a new release date.
State officials have expressed little about the case, with the Illinois Department of Corrections choosing not to comment on the specifics of federal-to-state transfers, citing no new details to update the public.