In a disturbing video released on Friday, prison officers in upstate New York were seen fatally beating an inmate who was restrained in handcuffs and leg cuffs, prompting widespread calls for a thorough overhaul of the system.
State legislators are pushing for accountability and reforms within New York’s corrections system. Governor Kathy Hochul, who supervises the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, voiced her shock and dismay.
The footage from the Dec. 10 incident, captured on officers’ body cameras at Marcy Correctional Facility, shows a group of officials repeatedly striking and kicking 35-year-old Robert Brooks in a separate room away from other inmates.
Attorney General Letitia James released the videos after an investigation, revealing the brutality inflicted on Brooks, who appeared bloodied and helpless as he was assaulted by the officers.
Expressing her outrage, Governor Hochul stated, “Like all New Yorkers, I was outraged and horrified after seeing footage of the senseless killing of Robert Brooks.” She demanded the immediate termination of the 14 individuals involved in the fatal beating.
“It is the duty of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to ensure proper care and protection for individuals in custody, and I will not tolerate any breach of that duty,” Hochul emphasized. “New York State has a zero-tolerance policy for lawbreakers, and I am committed to holding all responsible parties fully answerable.”
The tragic incident involving Brooks occurs as the state moves to shut down up to five prisons, a decision made during this year’s budget talks to address the decreasing prison population in New York.
Furthermore, the state is confronted with investigating other cases of “unconscionable violence” against inmates at Marcy Correctional Facility and other prisons, as noted by State Senator Julia Salazar, head of the Senate’s corrections committee.
Senator Salazar is advocating for the arrest of the officers involved and the closure of the prison, stating, “Such atrocities should never happen within a New York state prison. We demand that every officer implicated face criminal charges for their roles in enabling and perpetrating brutal violence against Robert Brooks, leading to his tragic death. Prompt legislative action is necessary to prevent similar incidents and to hold accountable all those responsible for heinous acts in New York’s correctional facilities.”
Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs, a member of the Assembly’s corrections committee and the first formerly incarcerated state lawmaker, also called for criminal charges against the officers.
“I am beyond outraged by this appalling incident,” Gibbs declared in a statement. “Punishment for a crime should never result in death, especially not at the hands of those entrusted with ensuring safety. Acts of cruelty like this jeopardize everyone within the facility.”
Despite requests for comments, the state’s corrections officers’ union remained silent, while Governor Hochul’s office did not disclose any information regarding potential protests following the video’s release.
Robert Brooks was serving a 12-year sentence for assault.
