Trump's Last Act Pardoning a Gangster?!

Trump Commutes Gang Leader Larry Hoover's Sentence in Wave of Pardons

In a move that has sparked considerable debate, former US President Donald Trump commuted the federal prison sentence of Larry Hoover, the notorious founder of the Chicago street gang, the Gangster Disciples. This action was part of a broader spree of clemency actions undertaken this week, impacting numerous individuals across the legal spectrum.

The Hoover Case: A Complex History

Larry Hoover, now 74, established the Gangster Disciples on Chicago's South Side in the 1970s, building it into a nationwide criminal enterprise. His criminal history is extensive:

• In 1973, he was convicted of ordering the execution of a rival drug dealer.
• In the 1990s, he received six life sentences on conspiracy, extortion, drug, and other criminal charges.
• Despite his incarceration, authorities have alleged that Hoover continued to lead the gang from prison, a claim that prosecutors reiterated as recently as 2021.

While Hoover has publicly disavowed gang life, stating in a 2022 letter that he wants "nothing to do with it now and forever," his past actions and the allegations against him have made this commutation a controversial decision. It's important to note that while Trump commuted Hoover's federal sentence, he still faces a 200-year jail term in the state of Illinois for murder, a sentence a US President cannot commute.

Other Pardons and Commutations

The commutation of Hoover's sentence was not an isolated event. The wave of pardons also included:

• Michael Grimm: A former New York City congressman who served seven months in prison for felony tax fraud also received a pardon.
• At least eight other individuals were pardoned in recent days, according to reports.
• The New York Times reported a total of 25 pardons or commutations issued on Wednesday alone.

Trump's Clemency Record

President Trump's use of pardon power has been a notable aspect of his presidency. Key facts include:

• During his first term, Trump granted a total of 237 pardons and commutations, with the majority occurring in the final month.
• During his second term, Trump has pardoned more than 40 people, according to DoJ records.
• He also issued almost 1,600 pardons to individuals charged or convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot.

The Aftermath and Implications

The commutation of Larry Hoover’s federal sentence has ignited a firestorm of reactions. Hoover's lawyer, Justin Moore, celebrated the news, stating, "We got Larry Hoover out of federal prison - when many said it was impossible… Illinois must send him home for good." However, the prospect of Hoover's release remains uncertain due to his outstanding state sentence and the serious allegations that continue to surround him.

This latest flurry of pardons underscores the broad discretionary power vested in the US President regarding clemency. While some see these actions as acts of mercy and opportunities for rehabilitation, others view them with skepticism, particularly when they involve individuals with histories of serious criminal activity.

The debate surrounding these pardons is far from over, and the long-term implications of these decisions will continue to be analyzed and discussed in the days, weeks, and years to come.

Tags: Donald Trump, Larry Hoover, Gangster Disciples, Pardon, Clemency, Michael Grimm, Prison sentence, US President, Crime, Commute

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crk27003pv7o