05.05.2025 23:40
U.S. President Donald Trump announced why he decided to reopen Alcatraz prison. In a surprising statement, the U.S. leader said, "I guess I should have been a filmmaker." Stating that the country needs this, Trump added, "It housed the world's most dangerous criminals, and no one ever escaped from there."
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US President Donald Trump announced plans to reopen Alcatraz, one of the world's most famous prisons, which had been closed for a period.
Trump stated, "In the past, when we were a more serious nation, we did not hesitate to imprison the most dangerous criminals. We will not show more leniency to these criminals." He mentioned that he instructed the Federal Bureau of Prisons to repair and expand Alcatraz for use as a facility for "the most notorious criminals."
SURPRISING STATEMENT
After the announcement, Trump explained the reason for his decision to reopen Alcatraz prison. He said his decision was inspired by the film industry.
"I SHOULD HAVE BEEN A FILMMAKER"
Trump stated, "I think I should have been a filmmaker. If we start with filmmaking, this job ends there," he said.
"THIS COUNTRY NEEDED IT"
Arguing that Alcatraz is a strong symbol of "law and order" for the US, Trump said, "Alcatraz represents something very powerful and very effective. This country needs it in terms of law and order."
"THERE WERE SHARK BITES"
Recalling that Alcatraz is currently used as a museum, Trump said, "Many people visit. It housed the world's most dangerous criminals, and no one escaped from there. One person almost succeeded, but they found his clothes torn to shreds. There were shark bites."
These words from US leader Trump caused great surprise.
ALCATRAZ PRISON
Alcatraz Island was used for defense purposes by the US Army in the 1850s. It became a military prison in the 1860s. In 1934, the US Department of Justice converted the island into a high-security federal prison. The purpose of this conversion was to isolate inmates who caused problems in other prisons, had a high risk of escape, and were associated with organized crime.
STRUCTURAL AND SECURITY FEATURES
The island's natural structure made escape extremely difficult. It was surrounded by cold, turbulent waters.
Despite having a capacity of 600 inmates, it housed an average of 260–275 inmates.
Each inmate was given a single cell – which was unusual for that time.
It was equipped with electrical systems, steel doors, and armed towers.
FAMOUS INMATES
Al Capone: The famous Chicago mafia leader. He was using his influence in other prisons before coming to Alcatraz, but he was neutralized by being isolated here.
Robert Stroud: Known as "The Birdman of Alcatraz." He was recognized for his work with birds, but he was actually not allowed to keep birds at Alcatraz; he did this work at Leavenworth Prison.
George "Machine Gun" Kelly: He was an armed robber and kidnapper.
Alvin "Creepy" Karpis: He was on the FBI's most wanted list; he was the inmate who spent the longest time at Alcatraz (26 years).
ESCAPE ATTEMPTS
A total of 14 escape attempts were made by 36 inmates:
The most famous is the 1962 escape: Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin escaped from their cells and left the prison.
They carved the walls with spoons, made dummy heads with a mixture of paper and soap, so they were not noticed during the night check.
They used raincoats for life vests and a raft-like structure.
The bodies were never found, so the success of the escape remains a mystery.
This event was the subject of the film "Escape from Alcatraz" (1979) starring Clint Eastwood.
REASONS FOR CLOSURE
High operating costs: It was three times more expensive than other prisons.
Structural deterioration: Seawater was corroding the concrete and iron.
It was closed in 1963 with the approval of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.
CURRENT STATUS
In 1972, Alcatraz was transferred to the National Park Service. Today, it serves as a museum and tourist attraction, visited by approximately 1.5 million people each year. The cells, escape tunnels, dining hall, and watchtowers are preserved in their original condition.
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