Larry Hoover Sentence Commuted by Trump
President Donald Trump has commuted the federal sentence of Larry Hoover, the founder of the Chicago-based Gangster Disciples, a move that has stirred controversy and reignited debates over redemption, justice, and public safety.
Hoover, now in his mid-70s, was serving six life sentences in a Colorado federal prison after being convicted in 1997 of running a massive criminal enterprise from behind bars. While he will still serve a 200-year sentence on separate state charges, the federal clemency significantly alters the course of his incarceration.
A Notorious Legacy and a Call for Redemption
Hoover was originally convicted in 1973 for murder in Chicago. While serving that sentence, prosecutors say he continued to control the Gangster Disciples, orchestrating violence and drug operations through a sophisticated communication system.
Despite his criminal legacy, Hoover’s legal team and family argue that he has been rehabilitated. Attorney Jennifer Bonjean confirmed the federal commutation, noting it as a “long time coming.”
“He deserves a second chance,” said his son, Larry Hoover Jr.
“He can be a benefit to the community if they allow him to be.”
His wife, Winndye Hoover, added that the news was overwhelming:
“We just want to hope it goes all the way through.”
Reaction from Prosecutors and the Public
Ron Safer, the former federal prosecutor who led Hoover’s 1997 conviction, expressed disappointment over the clemency.
“I believe in redemption… But there are some crimes that are so heinous, so notorious, that they’re not deserving of mercy,” Safer told ABC7.
“If Larry Hoover said there was going to be a killing, there was a killing.”
Support from the Culture and Continued Legal Hurdles
Over the years, Hoover’s case gained support from public figures, including Kanye West and Chance the Rapper, both of whom have advocated for his release. They’ve framed Hoover’s story as one of redemption and transformation, highlighting his age and alleged change in character.
Despite the commutation, Hoover still faces significant time for the state murder conviction, and his future may depend on Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who holds the power to grant state clemency.
“We know Governor Pritzker believes in rehabilitation,” said Hoover Jr. “And he’s done all of that.”
If transferred, authorities would likely move Hoover from Colorado’s supermax facility to a prison in Illinois.
More…
- https://abc7chicago.com/post/larry-hoover-pardon-president-donald-trump-commutes-sentence-chicago-gang-leader-gangster-disciples-founder-attorney-says/16578697/
- https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/28/trump-commutes-federal-sentence-larry-hoover/
- https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2025/05/28/president-trump-drug-kingpin-larry-hoover-commutation-federal-prison-sentence
