President Donald Trump reignited debates about crime and punishment this week with a bold social media declaration: "REBUILD AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!" The former president's call to revive the infamous San Francisco Bay prison—shuttered since 1963—comes amid ongoing discussions about housing dangerous criminals in high-security facilities. Known for housing gangsters like Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly, Alcatraz has long symbolized America's toughest approach to justice. Here's why Trump's proposal is making waves and which infamous figures once called "The Rock" home.
Why Alcatraz Closed—And Why It's Back in the Headlines
Operating from 1934 to 1963, Alcatraz earned its reputation as an escape-proof fortress for the nation's most violent criminals and repeat offenders. However, the prison closed due to soaring operational costs—nearly triple that of other federal facilities—and structural deterioration caused by saltwater corrosion. Trump's push to revive the island prison hinges on nostalgia for an era when, as he stated, "we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals… far away from anyone they could harm."
Alcatraz's Most Notorious Inmates: Crime Legends Behind Bars
From Prohibition-era mobsters to Depression-era kidnappers, Alcatraz housed over 1,500 inmates. Below are six of its most infamous residents:
- Al Capone (1934–1939)The Chicago mob boss, infamous for bootlegging and the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, spent five years at Alcatraz. Transferred due to his manipulation of staff at other prisons, Capone's stay ended when syphilis-related health complications forced his move to a medical facility.
- George "Machine Gun" Kelly (1934–1951)Known for wielding a Thompson submachine gun, Kelly was sentenced to life for kidnapping oil tycoon Charles Urschel. His bold crimes and fearsome persona made him a poster child for Alcatraz's "incorrigible" population.
- Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz" (1942–1959)Despite his nickname, Stroud never kept birds on the island. His avian expertise stemmed from earlier studies at Leavenworth Prison, where he authored books on canary diseases. Transferred to Alcatraz after brewing alcohol in his cell, Stroud spent 54 years imprisoned for murder.
- Alvin "Creepy" Karpis (1936–1962)Mastermind of the Barker-Karpis gang's kidnappings and heists, Karpis served the longest sentence in Alcatraz history—26 years. His sinister grin and ruthless reputation earned him the nickname "Creepy."
- Arthur "Doc" Barker (1935–1939)A accomplice in the 1934 kidnapping of banker Edward Bremer, Barker died during an escape attempt at Alcatraz. FBI-linked fingerprints on a gas can tied him to the crime.
- James "Whitey" Bulger (1959–1962)Before leading Boston's Winter Hill Gang, Bulger spent three years at Alcatraz for armed robbery. Later, his dual role as a mobster and FBI informant cemented his Robin Hood-like notoriety.
Challenges of Reopening "The Rock"
Reviving Alcatraz poses logistical and financial hurdles. Modern prison standards demand updates to the crumbling structure, and transporting inmates to an island facility raises security concerns. Critics argue funds would be better spent on rehabilitation programs, while supporters believe restoring the prison could deter violent crime.