Frank Nitti: Al Capone's Right-Hand Man & Successor Explained
Was Frank Nitti, a man shrouded in the shadows of the Chicago Outfit, truly the brains behind Al Capone's criminal empire? While Capone became a household name, it was Nitti, the so-called "Enforcer," who orchestrated much of the illegal activities, controlling the flow of money and the execution of the Outfit's dirty work.
Born Francesco Raffaele Nitto in Naples, Italy, Frank Nitti's journey to infamy began as a young man. He arrived in the United States and quickly became involved in the world of organized crime. His rise within the ranks of the Chicago Outfit was meteoric, eventually leading him to become one of Al Capone's most trusted lieutenants. He was more than just a bodyguard and first cousin to the infamous Capone; Nitti was the linchpin of the operation, overseeing the intricate network of bootlegging, gambling, and other illicit ventures that fueled the Outfit's wealth and power during the Prohibition era.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Francesco Raffaele Nitto (Frank Ralph Nitti) |
| Born | 1896 (estimated), Naples, Italy |
| Died | March 19, 1943, North Riverside, Illinois, USA |
| Known For | Chief enforcer for Al Capone; Successor to Capone as boss of the Chicago Outfit |
| Aliases | "The Enforcer", "Frank Nitti" |
| Role in Chicago Outfit | Oversaw liquor smuggling, distribution, and other illegal activities; controlled finances |
| Key Relationships | Al Capone (boss), Tony Accardo, Paul Ricca |
| Significant Events | Took control of the Chicago Outfit after Capone's imprisonment; faced pressure from law enforcement and a pending prison sentence, leading to his suicide |
| Legacy | Viewed as a ruthless and efficient leader; his life reflects the internal pressures and eventual demise of a prominent mob figure |
| Reference Website | Britannica - Frank Nitti |
The Chicago Outfit, under the leadership of Al Capone, was a well-oiled machine fueled by greed, violence, and a relentless pursuit of profit. Nitti played a pivotal role in keeping this machine running smoothly. He was in charge of all money flowing through the operation, ensuring that the vast sums generated by illegal activities were properly managed and distributed. Beyond his financial acumen, Nitti was known for his ruthlessness and his willingness to use violence to maintain order and eliminate threats. He was the "Enforcer," the man who made sure that the Outfit's enemies were dealt with swiftly and decisively.
The speakeasies around Chicago and the booze business boomed under Nittis command. Nitti ran Capone's liquor smuggling and distribution operation, importing whisky from Canada and selling it through a network of speakeasies around Chicago.One of the key events in the Outfit's history was the St. Valentine's Day Massacre of 1929, a brutal display of violence that solidified Capone's control over the Chicago underworld. While Capone was the face of the organization, it was likely Nitti who orchestrated the massacre, ensuring that the rival gang of George "Bugs" Moran was eliminated. The killings of assistant state's attorney William McSwiggin in 1926 and Chicago Tribune reporter Jake Lingle in 1930, were also among the many casualties during this time.
When Al Capone was convicted of tax evasion in 1931, Nitti was poised to take over the reins of the Chicago Outfit. Capone's nominal successor was Frank the Enforcer Nitti, with Ricca as his underboss. However, according to crime historian Carl Sifakis, Ricca held the actual power in the outfit. While he stepped into the role of acting boss, the transition was not without its challenges. The Outfit was under intense scrutiny from law enforcement, and Nitti himself was facing mounting legal troubles. After conviction, he replaced his defense team with experts in tax law, and his grounds for appeal were strengthened by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, although his appeal ultimately failed.
Nitti's reign as boss of the Chicago Outfit was marked by a constant struggle to maintain control and avoid capture. He continued the organizations illegal activities but was under intense pressure. Facing intense pressure from law enforcement and a looming prison sentence, Nitti chose to end his own life on March 19, 1943, in North Riverside, Illinois. He was drunk and despondent over a pending grand jury appearance. This tragic end underscored the immense pressure that mob figures faced and the ultimate futility of their pursuits.
Before he rose to the position of boss, Nitti's reputation had already been solidified under Capone's leadership. Under torrio's successor, Al Capone, nitti's reputation soared. He was instrumental in expanding the Outfit's reach and influence. He was the man that most often arises as Als successor. He was known to be the only man al capone feared. He was one of the few men al capone and the rest of the crime syndicate chiefs trusted.
The Chicago Outfit's illegal activities included liquor smuggling and distribution, with whisky being imported from Canada and sold through a network of speakeasies around Chicago. A small Italian eatery, Patsy's Restaurant, was a mob hangout for salvatore sam giancana, jackie the lackey cerone, gus alex, and al capone successor frank the enforcer nitti. The parking lot behind the restaurant was often used for mob meetings.
Frank Nittis life was a stark reminder of the cost of a life lived in the shadow of organized crime. The ruthlessness, the paranoia, and the constant threat of violence all contributed to the tragedy. His life serves as a testament to the destructive nature of organized crime and the ultimate price that individuals pay for their involvement.
The Drake Hotel, a swanky downtown establishment, was frequented by some of the most famous figures in the world, from Winston Churchill to Marilyn Monroe. Al Capone successor Frank Nitti even maintained his office here.Harry Carays Italian Steakhouse was one of the residences of frank the enforcer nitti, one of al capones lieutenant and successor. Go inside to see nittis vault, a mob museum, and historic bootlegging tunnels.
The question of who truly ran the Chicago Outfit during the Capone era is complex. While Al Capone enjoyed the spotlight, Frank Nitti was the strategist, the enforcer, and the man who kept the Outfit's wheels turning. His life, marked by violence, ambition, and ultimately, tragedy, provides a glimpse into the dark heart of organized crime in America during the Prohibition era. The story of Frank Nitti is a cautionary tale about the allure and the perils of power in the underworld, and a reminder that even the most feared figures are ultimately subject to the consequences of their choices.
During the 2nd constitutional convention, you need to get a majority of the choices for the government to be a totalist majority (i.e. Any choice that boosts totalist). Afterwards, there should be an event where you choose your totalist head of state between foster, burnham, browder and capone.On the morning of february 14, 1929, in a garage on chicago's north side, capone's henchmen attacked the mob of his gangland rival, george bugs moran. Capone's crew had arranged for a large delivery of bootleg whiskey to the garage that day. One of al capone's top lieutenants during prohibition, frank nitti succeeded scarface as boss of the chicago outfit in the 1930s.
The hundreds of casualties included dion o'banion, hijacker and leader of a north side gang, his successor hymie weiss, and the seven victims of the infamous st. Valentine's day massacre of 1929.
Alphonse gabriel capone was born in brooklyn, a borough of new york city, on january 17, 1899. Al capone's only son, albert francis sonny capone, was born on december 4, 1918.Deidre marie capone, al's grandniece, asserted mae did not give birth to sonny but rather took care of the illegitimate child of her husband.
