Context:

Charlie Hopkins, possibly the last living former inmate of Alcatraz, reflects on his time in the infamous prison where he served a sentence for kidnapping and robbery. He recalls the prison's isolation and strict conditions, including his involvement in an escape attempt that landed him in solitary confinement. Alcatraz, once a military prison turned federal facility, housed notorious criminals like Al Capone and Whitey Bulger before closing due to high operational costs. President Trump's proposal to reopen Alcatraz has been criticized as impractical due to the exorbitant costs of restoration and updates required. Hopkins, who doubts the seriousness of Trump's proposal, now lives in Florida, having written a memoir about his past and his time in Alcatraz.

Dive Deeper:

• Charlie Hopkins was sent to Alcatraz in 1955 after causing trouble at other prisons and was part of a group involved in robberies and kidnappings. He describes Alcatraz as a barren place lacking distractions, with a haunting silence interrupted only by distant ship whistles.

• Alcatraz, a high-security federal prison on a remote island, housed infamous criminals over the years, including Al Capone and James 'Whitey' Bulger, and became famous for its harsh conditions and notorious escape attempts.

• Despite the strict security, Hopkins engaged in an unsuccessful escape plan involving hacksaw blades, which led to his prolonged solitary confinement in Alcatraz's 'D Block'.

• Alcatraz's high operational costs and logistical challenges led to its closure in 1963, and it now serves as a tourist attraction generating significant revenue, despite its deteriorating condition.

• President Trump proposed reopening Alcatraz for violent offenders, citing its symbolic strength in law and order, but experts argue the plan is economically unfeasible due to the extensive renovations required.

• Hopkins, a Trump supporter, believes the proposal to reopen Alcatraz is more about making a political statement on crime rather than a serious plan, considering the logistical and financial hurdles.

• After his release, Hopkins returned to Florida, reflecting on his past through a detailed memoir, acknowledging his troubled behavior during his time at Alcatraz and the changes in his life since then.