Newly released bodycam footage reveals a shocking incident involving New York corrections officers allegedly beating a handcuffed inmate, Robert Brooks, who died the next day. The 43-year-old inmate was pronounced dead on December 10, a day after the altercation at Marcy Correctional Facility in upstate New York.
Governor Kathy Hochul has since fired 13 officers and a prison nurse involved in the incident following an internal review. The New York Attorney General, Letitia James, announced an investigation into Brooks’ death, while the union representing state prison workers described the video as “incomprehensible.”
The footage, made public by James on Friday, depicts officers striking Brooks repeatedly in the face and groin as he sat handcuffed on an examination table. One officer is seen placing an unidentified object into Brooks’ mouth before assaulting him further. Another officer is shown hitting Brooks in the stomach with a shoe, while a separate clip captures an officer lifting him by the neck and forcefully placing him back on the table.
Preliminary medical reports attribute Brooks’ death to “asphyxia due to compression of the neck.” The videos, which do not include audio, leave unanswered questions about why Brooks was initially taken to the prison’s medical facility.
Attorney General James expressed the gravity of releasing such footage, especially during the holiday season, emphasizing her duty to ensure transparency and accountability. She stated that the Brooks family and New Yorkers deserve to see the truth.
Brooks, serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault, had been transferred to Marcy from Mohawk Correctional Facility earlier on the same day as the incident. The Brooks family’s lawyer, Elizabeth Mazur, called the footage evidence of a “horrific and extreme” attack. She stressed that Brooks and other inmates deserved safety and dignity within the correctional system.
Governor Hochul responded to the video’s release with outrage, declaring a commitment to hold everyone involved fully accountable. She reaffirmed the state’s zero-tolerance policy for individuals breaking the law, including those in positions of authority.
The union representing prison workers condemned the actions depicted in the footage, noting that they do not reflect the professionalism of the majority of its members. However, the New York chapter of the ACLU challenged this, stating that the incident reflects a broader culture of violence and lack of accountability within the correctional system. Executive Director Donna Lieberman asserted that such behavior endangers incarcerated individuals across New York.
The Correctional Association of New York, an independent watchdog, has previously reported widespread allegations of racial discrimination and mistreatment within state prisons. Last year, the group highlighted incidents where Black inmates were denied access to dining halls for wearing certain hairstyles.
The release of this footage has reignited concerns over systemic issues within New York’s correctional facilities, sparking calls for reform and heightened accountability.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
