Explore Larry Hoover’s story—his charges, Trump’s federal commutation, release status in 2025, and what lies ahead. Is Larry Hoover free now?
Larry Hoover: Trump’s Clemency, Current Status & The Long Road to Freedom
Larry Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, remains one of the most controversial figures in modern American criminal history. Once dubbed “the most notorious criminal in Illinois history,” Hoover’s story has taken a sharp turn after former President Donald Trump commuted his federal sentences. However, the question still remains—Is Larry Hoover free?
Let’s explore everything you need to know about Larry Hoover’s charges, Trump’s involvement, Hoover’s release status, and more—along with FAQs based on trending search keywords for better clarity.
Who is Larry Hoover?
Larry Hoover was born in 1950 in Mississippi and moved to Chicago at a young age. In the late 1960s, he founded the Gangster Disciples, a powerful street gang that expanded its influence rapidly across the Midwest.
In 1973, Hoover was convicted of ordering the murder of William Young, a drug dealer, and was sentenced to 150–200 years in an Illinois prison. Despite being behind bars, Hoover was accused of continuing to run gang operations, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and ordering violent crimes. This led to federal charges in the 1990s, which culminated in six federal life sentences in 1997 for running a criminal enterprise from prison.
Donald Trump and Larry Hoover: Did Trump Pardon Larry Hoover?

No, Trump did not pardon Larry Hoover completely, but he did commute his federal sentences during his final days in office. This means:
- Pardon = Complete forgiveness for the crime (Hoover didn’t get this).
- Commutation = Reduction of the punishment (Hoover received this for federal sentences).
Hoover’s attorney Jennifer Bonjean confirmed that Trump’s clemency only affected his federal life sentences—not his state-level conviction for the 1973 murder, which still keeps him behind bars.
Is Larry Hoover Free Now?
No, Larry Hoover is not free. Although his federal sentences were commuted, he is still serving a 200-year sentence from the state of Illinois for murder. He remains incarcerated in the ADX Florence supermax prison in Colorado.
There are discussions about transferring him to an Illinois facility and possible future clemency by Governor JB Pritzker, but as of now, Hoover is still imprisoned.
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Family Reaction: A Step Toward Redemption
The Hoover family expressed hope and gratitude following Trump’s decision. Larry Hoover Jr. stated:
“He deserves redemption. He deserves a second chance at being a part of this community, and he can be a benefit if given that opportunity.”
The family believes that Hoover, now in his 70s, has transformed during his nearly five decades behind bars.
Public & Legal Reactions
Supporters like Kanye West and Chance The Rapper have called for Hoover’s release in recent years, stating that his influence could help reduce violence in Chicago.
However, former federal prosecutor Ron Safer, who secured Hoover’s 1997 conviction, remains critical of the decision. He believes Hoover’s crimes were too severe for any form of mercy.

Larry Hoover’s Charges & Sentencing
Here’s a quick breakdown of the Larry Hoover charges:
Year | Charge | Sentence |
---|---|---|
1973 | Murder of William Young (State) | 150–200 years |
1997 | Running a criminal enterprise (Federal) | 6 life sentences |
2021 | Federal sentence commuted by Trump | Still serving state sentence |
FAQs Based on Trending Search Keywords
🔹 Did Trump pardon Larry Hoover?
No, Trump commuted his federal sentences, which reduced his prison time but did not completely forgive his crimes. He remains incarcerated under state charges.
🔹 Is Larry Hoover free?
No, Larry Hoover is still in prison. His state murder sentence is still in effect, keeping him locked up despite the federal commutation.
🔹 What did Larry Hoover do?
Hoover was convicted of:
- Ordering a 1973 murder in Chicago.
- Running a massive criminal enterprise from prison.
- Involvement in drug trafficking, extortion, and gang leadership activities through the Gangster Disciples.
🔹 Who is Larry Hoover?
Larry Hoover is the founder of the Gangster Disciples, a Chicago-based gang. He was once considered one of the most dangerous inmates in the U.S. prison system.
🔹 Is Larry Hoover out of jail?
No. He’s still in the ADX Florence supermax prison in Colorado and has not been released.
🔹 Larry Hoover release date?
There is no official release date yet. Unless Illinois Governor Pritzker grants clemency or parole, Hoover could remain in prison for life.
🔹 How old is Larry Hoover?
As of 2025, Larry Hoover is 74 years old.
🔹 What is the meaning of commuted sentence?
A commuted sentence is a reduction in the length or severity of a sentence. It does not erase the conviction—it simply lowers the punishment.
🔹 Trump Larry Hoover connection?
Trump commuted Hoover’s federal sentence as part of a broader effort to address perceived injustices in sentencing during his presidency.
🔹 Did Trump free Larry Hoover?
Not completely. Trump commuted his federal sentence, but Hoover is still serving a state sentence for murder.
🔹 Larry Hoover pardon update?
There has been no new state-level pardon. The federal commutation remains the only clemency action so far.
Did Trump free Larry Hoover? His federal life sentence was commuted by President Trump, but he still faces state charges. This clemency sparks debate on justice and redemption. Full story 👉 https://t.co/k9LRXKm5F0 #LarryHoover #Trump #PardonNews pic.twitter.com/vGJtReFdrm
— USA UPDATES (@usaupdatessite) May 29, 2025
Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead for Larry Hoover
The commutation of Larry Hoover’s federal sentences by Donald Trump sparked new hope for his family and supporters but also ignited controversy. While he is no longer serving federal life sentences, Hoover remains in prison, serving a 200-year state sentence.
The debate around Hoover’s potential release continues to divide public opinion. Some see him as a redeemed man who can positively impact Chicago’s communities, while others view his past as too dark for forgiveness.
Regardless of where you stand, one thing is certain—Larry Hoover’s story is far from over.
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