In a move that’s sparked both praise and controversy, President Donald Trump has officially commuted the sentence of Larry Hoover — the co-founder of the infamous Chicago street organization, the Gangster Disciples. Hoover had been serving multiple life sentences since 1973, stemming from charges including murder, conspiracy, extortion, and drug trafficking.
Hoover, who once wielded immense influence from behind bars, has long been a symbol of both gang leadership and prison reform debates. While many view him solely through the lens of street crime, others have pointed to his more recent efforts to advocate for peace and community upliftment — even from a maximum-security cell.
Trump’s decision to grant clemency came during a final wave of presidential pardons, reigniting discussion around justice reform, mass incarceration, and the complex legacy of figures like Hoover.
Photo: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Supporters argue the sentence was excessive and that Hoover deserves a second chance after nearly five decades behind bars. Critics, however, warn that his release could send the wrong message, given his criminal past and powerful street legacy.
Whether redemption or risk, one thing is certain: Larry Hoover’s name is once again front and center in the national conversation.