Larry Hoover Still Facing 200-Year Illinois Sentence Despite Federal Commutation by Trump

Donald Trump has officially commuted the sentence of Larry Hoover, the longtime inmate and co-founder of the Gangster Disciples. Hoover had been serving multiple life sentences for crimes dating back to the 1970s, including murder and leading a criminal organization.

Hoover, now in his 70s, had been incarcerated for over 50 years, most recently held at ADX Florence in Colorado, one of the most secure federal prisons in the country. He had made multiple legal attempts to reduce his sentence, especially following the passage of the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform law signed during Trump’s first term. Until now, all efforts had been denied.

In a 2024 court appearance, Hoover said he no longer had ties to the Gangster Disciples and described himself as a changed man. His family and legal team have maintained for years that he has reformed and no longer represents the person he once was.

His clemency follows years of public advocacy, including support from several high-profile figures. In 2021, artists Kanye West and Drake organized a “Free Larry Hoover” benefit concert to bring attention to his case.

But while Trump has lifted Hoover’s federal sentence, the former gang leader is not walking free. Hoover is still serving a 200-year state sentence in Illinois for the 1973 murder of 19-year-old William “Pooky” Young, a neighborhood drug dealer. That state conviction was the first to land Hoover behind bars before he was later prosecuted on federal charges in 1997.

His federal sentence reduction was one of several clemency decisions announced by the White House. Others included reality TV personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted of financial crimes, and former Congressman Michael Grimm, who pleaded guilty to tax fraud. Several of the pardoned individuals had personal or political ties to Trump or his supporters.