Larry Hoover news: President Donald Trump commute sentences of former Chicago gang leader, Gangster Disciples founder
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — President Donald Trump has commuted the sentence of a notorious former Chicago gang leader.

Hoover was serving a life sentence at a prison in Colorado. He was convicted of murder in Chicago and then later convicted on several federal charges.

He will still have to serve his sentence on state charges.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Attorney Jennifer Bonjean confirmed to ABC7 Wednesday that her client, Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover, is being granted clemency by the president.

The White House also confirmed the commutation to ABC News.

A judge once called Hoover one of the most notorious criminals in Illinois history. But in recent years, his attorney argued that Hoover, now in his mid-70s, had been rehabilitated.

That argument apparently resonated with President Trump, who commuted Hoover’s multiple federal life sentences.

READ MORE | Notorious Chicago gang leader, Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover requests early release again

Hoover still faces the remainder of a 200-year state sentence for a 1973 Chicago murder. While in prison for that murder, federal prosecutors said Hoover, one of the founders of the Chicago Gangster Disciples, continued to oversee that gang.

Prosecutors said he was an organizational genius and ordered murders, beatings and drug deals while behind bars.

He was convicted in 1997 and sentenced to six life sentences in connection with those federal charges, and the former lead prosecutor in his federal case, Ron Safer, told ABC7 he’s disappointed Hoover has received clemency.

“I believe in redemption. I believe in rehabilitation. I believe in mercy. There are some crimes that are so heinous, so notorious, that they’re not deserving of mercy,” Safer said.

Hoover still faces the remainder of a hefty sentence on a state murder conviction. He would likely, at some point, be transferred to a prison in Illinois from the notorious supermax prison in Colorado, where he’s currently behind bars.

ABC News contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Antonio Brown in custody after being extradited from Dubai

Antonio Brown Detained Following Extradition from Dubai: Latest Updates

Antonio Brown, a former NFL athlete, has been apprehended by the US…
Kazakhstan joining Abraham Accords, US official confirms

Breaking: Kazakhstan Joins Abraham Accords – A New Era of Diplomacy Unveiled

On Thursday, officials confirmed to Fox News that Kazakhstan is poised to…
Federal judge orders Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits in November

Federal Judge Mandates Full Funding of SNAP Benefits by Trump Administration for November

A federal judge in Rhode Island has mandated that the Trump administration…
Walking for Hope: Jacksonville unites to end Alzheimer’s this Sunday

Join Jacksonville’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s This Sunday: Be Part of the Hope!

Alzheimer’s disease affects millions, and this Sunday, November 9, the Jacksonville community…
Denver wants to pay airport staff to avoid FAA flight cuts

Denver Proposes New Incentives for Airport Staff to Prevent Flight Reductions

(The Hill) On Thursday, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston unveiled a plan to…
Chinese astronauts stranded in space after debris strikes return capsule during mission

Chinese Astronauts Encounter Unexpected Delay in Return Due to Debris Impact on Capsule

A Chinese crew remains at the Tiangong space station due to unexpected…
Left-wing New Hampshire professor smeared Charlie Kirk for 'white supremacy' after assassination

New Hampshire Professor Criticizes Charlie Kirk, Linking Him to White Supremacy Debate After Tragic Event

Just a day following the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder…
Marjorie Taylor Greene praises Nancy Pelosi in stunning dig to Trump

Marjorie Taylor Greene Surprises with Unexpected Compliment to Nancy Pelosi, Takes a Jab at Trump

In a surprising move, Marjorie Taylor Greene recently offered high commendations for…