On May 28, 2025, President Donald Trump commuted the federal prison sentence of Larry Hoover, the co-founder of the Gangster Disciples street gang. Hoover, 74, had been serving six life sentences in a federal supermax facility for running a criminal enterprise while incarcerated.
The commutation does not affect Hoover’s separate 200-year sentence in Illinois for a 1973 murder conviction, meaning he remains in state custody.
Hoover’s legal team had pursued clemency under the First Step Act, citing his alleged rehabilitation and disassociation from gang activity. They argued he no longer posed a threat to society and should be considered for release.
The decision has sparked national debate. Supporters view it as a meaningful step in criminal justice reform, while critics raise concerns about leniency for a figure once tied to organized crime.
While the federal commutation marks a significant legal development, Hoover’s release remains uncertain as he continues to serve his state sentence.
