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By Dan Gooding and Gabe Whisnant
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Former Chicago gang leader Larry Hoover, who had been serving a life sentence at a supermax prison in Colorado, has had his sentence commuted by Donald Trump.
The commutation, initially reported by the news outlet NOTUS, was later confirmed by a White House official to Newsweek, who did not answer what reason was behind the president's decision.
"In a historic development, Larry Hoover's federal life sentences have been commuted by President Donald Trump," Hoover's attorneys Jennifer Bonjean of the Bonjean Law Group and Justin Moore of Stafford Moore, told Newsweek in a statement. "Mr. Hoover, who is now 75 years old, spent nearly 30 years in solitary confinement at ADX Florence – the most restrictive, draconian supermax prison in the United States."
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The Context
Trump's reported move comes amid a flurry of pardons for convicted Americans, mostly for those he feels fell victim to a politicized and weaponized justice system.
Hoover was originally imprisoned for a 1973 murder and was later convicted in 1998 for operating a criminal enterprise. In recent years, he renounced his criminal activities and sought a reduced sentence through a formal petition.
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What To Know
Hoover, known as "King Larry" was born in Jackson, Mississippi, in November 1950. The family moved to Chicago, Illinois, when he was 4 years old, and he joined a gang less than a decade later, at around 12 or 13.
After starting with low-level crimes, Hoover's actions became more violent, and he took control of the Supreme Gangsters aged 15. Over the years, that group grew and joined forces with others to eventually become the Ganster Disciples in the late 1960s.
In 1973, Hoover was sentenced to between 150 and 200 years in prison for ordering the murder of William Young, a drug dealer. Despite being jailed, Hoover continued to influence and lead the gang from within the Stateville Correctional Center in Crest Hill, Illinois.
In 1997, he was convicted of running a continuing criminal enterprise from state prison, earning him another life term.
King Larry's Plea for Release
Hoover and his family have been calling for his release for several years, maintaining that he is no longer associated with the Gangster Disciples.
Hoover's son, Larry Hoover Jr., has been outspoken about his father's time in jail, and was featured in the 2021 Kanye West song "Jesus Lord." The artist now known as Ye and Drake then held a concert calling for Hoover's release.
Ye also spoke to Trump in the Oval Office during his first term in 2018, advocating for Hoover's work while in prison.
The gang leader had changed the name of his group to "Growth and Development", offering help to fellow inmates and discouraging violence. He reportedly made education mandatory for his followers, urging them to learn trades and develop talents and skills which would help them on their release.
In 2024, Hoover appeared in court via video feed to give his testimony as he asked for early released under the "First Step Act", which was passed during Trump's first term to help rehabilitated prisoners.
At the time, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois opposed his release, arguing Hoover still held influence over the gang.
"I'm a completely different person than the man who went to prison in 1997," Hoover told the court. "I have no desire to run the GD's or be involved in any criminal activity. I'm past that part of my life."
The judge denied the appeal and Hoover remained at ADX Florence in Colorado - one of the country's highest-security prisons.
What People Are Saying
Hoover's attorneys in their statement to Newsweek: "The Courts have demonstrated a complete unwillingness to consider Mr. Hoover's considerable growth and complete rehabilitation. Despite the Court's unwillingness to do the right thing, Mr. Hoover has been able to keep his voice alive through the incredible work of many advocates and supporters. Thankfully, Mr. Hoover's pleas were heard by President Trump who took action to deliver justice for Mr. Hoover. We are thrilled to see that Mr. Hoover will be released from Federal Custody."
Ye, speaking to Trump in 2018: "Larry Hoover is an example of a man that was turning his life around, and as soon as he tried to turn his life around, they hit him with six life sentences."
Federal officials in their 2024 court filing: "Hoover has well earned his life sentence, and he is not the type of defendant. Congress intended to benefit in enacting the first step act. Indeed, if he were sentenced today, Hoover would receive the same. Mandatory life sentence."
What's Next
It was not immediately clear when Hoover might be released, and a formal announcement is yet to be made by the White House.
This article contains reporting by The Associated Press.
Update: 5/28/25, 4:50 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.
Update: 5/28/25, 5:50 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.
Update: 5/28/25, 6:09 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional remarks.
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