Uncle Sam’s Devil’s Island: From Al Capone to ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly, meet Alcatraz’s most infamous inmates
Share this @internewscast.com

President Donald Trump, in a Sunday evening post on Truth Social, called for Alcatraz, the infamous prison on an island near San Francisco, California, to be reopened. This declaration brought the iconic location back to the minds of many Americans.

“REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!” Trump declared. He expressed that the nation has long been troubled by “vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders,” who he described as societal outcasts contributing only “Misery and Suffering.”

Trump has asked various governmental agencies, such as the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security, to devise plans for a “substantially enlarged and rebuilt” Alcatraz. This prison, he suggested, would be used to incarcerate “America’s most ruthless and violent Offenders.” According to Trump, the reopening would stand as a representation of Law, Order, and JUSTICE.

During its time as a federal prison, which spanned almost 30 years, Alcatraz housed a total of over 1,500 inmates. Read about the most infamous inmates below:

Robert Stroud in a jail booking picture

Robert Stroud killed a corrections officer in 1916. (Bureau of Prisons)

Robert Stroud – “Bird Man” of Alcatraz

In 1909, Robert Stroud killed a bartender who allegedly didn’t pay a prostitute he was pimping. He was convicted of manslaughter and served his sentence at U.S. Penitentiary, McNeil Island, Washington. While in federal prison, according to the Bureau of Prisons, Stroud attacked another inmate, resulting in his transfer to USP Leavenworth.

While at USP Leavenworth, Stroud killed corrections officer Andrew Turner in 1916.

Stroud was convicted of first-degree murder as a result, and was sentenced to death. In 1920, former President Woodrow Wilson commuted his sentence to life in prison.

While in prison, Stroud developed a deep interest in birds, and would go on to write two books about birds and their diseases. Prison officers eventually found contraband items hidden inside bird cages that Stroud got his hands on, resulting in his transfer to Alcatraz in 1942.

Stroud spent 17 years in Alcatraz before he died on Nov. 21, 1963.

Alvin Karpis prison booking picture

Alvin Karpis was involved in the 1933 kidnapping of William A. Hamm, Jr. (FBI)

Alvin ‘Creepy’ Karpis

Alvin Karpis was a member of the Barker/Karpis gang, which was involved in a number of high-profile kidnappings.

Karpis was involved in the 1933 kidnapping of William A. Hamm, Jr., president of the Theodore Hamm Brewing Company, according to the FBI. Hamm, Jr. left the building when he was grabbed by four individuals who pushed him into a car. 

Members of the Barker/Karpis gang were responsible for the kidnapping, and demanded a ransom of over $100,000. Hamm signed a number of ransom notes in Wisconsin before he was taken to a hideout in Bensenville, Illinois. After the ransom was paid, Hamm was released near Wyoming, Minnesota.

Using fingerprint technology, the FBI used fingerprints on the ransom notes to identify suspects in the kidnapping – Karpis, “Doc” Barker, Charles Fitzgerald, and other members of the gang.

Karpis was eventually arrested in New Orleans, Louisiana, with former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover being part of the raid which led to his arrest on May 2, 1936.

Karpis, born in Montreal, spent 10 years in prison for burglary before working with members of the Barker family on more extreme crimes.

While Karpis was sentenced to life in prison, he spent time in various federal prisons, including Alcatraz. He was paroled in the late 1960s. He got his “creepy” nickname because of his smile.

Morton Sobell

Morton Sobell was convicted of espionage on behalf of the Soviet Union in 1951, but wasn’t convicted of providing the Soviet Union with stolen nuclear secrets, according to History.com.

He was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with 18 of them being spent in Alcatraz before he was paroled in 1969.

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were charged along with Sobell, were sentenced to death through electric chair.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Amazon Prime offers holiday gas deal: How to redeem the perk

Unlock Amazon Prime’s Exclusive Holiday Gas Discount: Step-by-Step Guide to Redeem Your Savings

Amazon is bringing some relief to its Prime members with a special…
CTU, IFT union news: Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates elected to lead Illinois Federation of Teachers

Stacy Davis Gates Elected to Lead Illinois Federation of Teachers, Strengthening Union Leadership Across Chicago

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates has been appointed as the…
Matthew Cuadra, April Valencia killed, 3 hurt in car crash near 75th and Vincennes in Greater Grand Crossing, Chicago: officials

Tragic Car Accident in Greater Grand Crossing: Two Dead, Three Injured Near 75th and Vincennes, Chicago Officials Report

CHICAGO (WLS) — A tragic accident on Chicago’s South Side claimed two…
State Department warns Hamas may violate ceasefire with attack on Palestinian civilians

State Department Alerts: Potential Ceasefire Breach by Hamas Threatens Palestinian Civilians

On Saturday, the U.S. Department of State issued a warning about “credible…
Illinois State University teacher's assistant flips Turning Point USA table, tears down flyers: 'Jesus did it'

Illinois State University TA Sparks Controversy by Dismantling Turning Point USA Display: ‘Inspired by Jesus

An Illinois State University teaching assistant found himself in legal trouble after…
Ashton Kutcher says his looks hurt his acting career

Ashton Kutcher Reveals How His Appearance Impacted His Acting Journey

Ashton Kutcher has confessed that his striking appearance may have sometimes been…
Medicare costs are rising in 2026. Here's how to save during open enrollment

Unlock Savings: Navigate Rising Medicare Costs with Expert Tips for 2026 Open Enrollment

According to a recent survey by NerdWallet, nearly 64% of Americans are…
Watch live: 'No Kings' protests held across the country

Join the Movement: ‘No Kings’ Nationwide Protests Streamed Live – What You Need to Know

With over 2,500 events planned across the nation, tune in here for…
Why do people wear inflatable costumes to 'No Kings' protests?

Unpacking the Inflatable Costume Phenomenon: Why Protesters Choose Air-Filled Attire at ‘No Kings’ Demonstrations

The strategy first emerged in Portland, Oregon, amid protests against U.S. Immigration…
'No Kings' protests against Pres. Donald Trump bring a street party vibe to cities nationwide

Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests Against President Trump Emerge as Vibrant Street Gatherings

WASHINGTON — In a spirited show of dissent against the current administration,…
On is sued over running shoe's allegedly "loud, embarrassing" squeak

Running Shoe Company Faces Lawsuit Over Annoying Squeaky Noise

The popular running shoe brand, On, is facing legal action from several…
After Trying to Shield Politicians From AI Mockery, Gavin Newsom Vetoes Wider Effort to Protect Kids

Gavin Newsom Rejects Bill Aimed at Shielding Children from AI Mockery, Following Political Protection Effort

It seems that a week seldom passes without California Governor Gavin Newsom…