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.Alcatraz itself is an isolated place surrounded by cold ocean water, averaging between 50 degrees and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and strong currents, making it dangerous and nearly impossible to escape.
The Bureau of Prisons recorded 36 men who made 14 separate escape attempts from the island. Ultimately, all were caught or didn’t survive, except five inmates who were classified as “missing and presumed drowned.”
No Proven Successful Escape From Alcatraz
Three inmates, John Anglin, his brother Clarence, and Frank Morris, attempted to escape Alcatraz prison on June 12, 1962, with an ingenious plan, according to the FBI, which authorities figured out only by interrogating another inmate left behind.After 17 years’ investigating, the FBI said “no credible evidence emerged to suggest the men were still alive, either in the U.S. or overseas.”
Alcatraz was permanently closed as a prison by Attorney General Robert Kennedy in 1963, due to high costs and deteriorating infrastructure.
Repurposed as Recreation Area by Congress in 1972
The island was occupied by a Native American group for 19 months starting in 1969, before it was cleared out by federal marshals, and it became a recreation area established by Congress in 1972. Managed by the National Park Service, Alcatraz opened to the public the following year, and it has become one of the Park Service’s most popular sites.Revenue and Jobs at Stake?
Trump wrote in the social media post: “REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ! ... When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.”
In response, California Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener from San Francisco said in a statement on social media on May 4, “Trump’s edict that Alcatraz—which is a museum—will be reopened as a prison is absurd on its face. This major tourist attraction generates significant revenue for the federal government and supports many jobs.”
Over $60 million in annual National Park & Service revenue is generated from Alcatraz Island visitor services.
