President Trump has announced the island prison be rebuilt, to once again house America’s most ruthless and violent offenders.
SAN FRANCISCO—Alcatraz, a 22-acre island 1.5 miles off the coast of San Francisco well-known for its time as a maximum-security prison, is now gaining international attention following a recent announcement by President Donald Trump.
In a May 4
post on Truth Social, Trump said he will direct the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Homeland Security “to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house America’s most ruthless and violent Offenders.”
More Than 1 Million Tourists a Year
Alcatraz, once known as “The Rock,” is currently part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, one of more than 400 national park areas across the United States. Its legendary history between 1934 to 1963, when it
served as the world’s most secure prison, according to the FBI, helps attract approximately 1.2 million tourists a year.
Worst Inmates Imprisoned
Alcatraz
housed around 260 to 275 inmates at a time on the island during that period, including dangerous public enemies like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and criminals who had a high risk of escape attempts, according to the Bureau of Prisons. Prior to 1934, it was used as a military prison.
