Newly released body camera footage from the New York Attorney General's office reveals a shocking incident at the Marcy Correctional Facility, where correctional officers were seen fatally beating 43-year-old Robert Brooks during his incarceration. This brutal assault occurred on the evening of December 9, 2022, and resulted in Brooks being pronounced dead the following day, igniting public outrage and calls for accountability.
The footage, made public on December 16 by Attorney General Letitia James, shows numerous correctional officers pummeling Brooks, who was handcuffed and restrained to a medical examination table. According to the footage, officers repeatedly punched and kicked him, with one officer reportedly shoving something in his mouth before delivering blows, and others assaulting him with shoes. At one point, officers lifted him by the neck before forcibly dropping him onto the examination table, as he lay motionless and bloodied.
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her outrage over the incident, branding it as “a senseless killing” and asserting her commitment to hold those responsible accountable. “The state of New York has zero tolerance for individuals who break the law,” she asserted, emphasizing the need for swift consequences for the involved personnel.
Thirteen correctional officers and one nurse implicated in Brooks’ death face termination, according to Hochul's announcement. All involved personnel were suspended without pay, leaving the community questioning the systemic issues within the prison system.
Brooks had only recently been transferred from Mohawk Correctional Facility on the same day as the attack, adding to the horror of the situation as questions arose about what led to such excessive use of force against him. Preliminary autopsy results indicate Brooks may have died from asphyxia due to compression of the neck, stemming from the actions of the correctional officers.
The video, described as graphic and appalling, has prompted widespread debate over the culture of violence within correctional facilities. Elizabeth Mazur, the attorney representing Brooks' family, remarked, “He deserved to live, and everyone else living in Marcy Correctional Facility deserves to know they do not have to live in fear of violence at the hands of prison staff.” Mazur’s statements highlight the tragic nature of Brooks’ death and the urgent need for reform.
Other advocates for prison reform echoed her sentiments. Tina Luongo, chief attorney at The Legal Aid Society, lamented, “Like everyone who has seen this video, we are horrified, angered, and deeply saddened.” She called for comprehensive transparency on corrections staff's use of force, denouncing the brutal treatment faced by inmates, especially within the Marcy facility.
The shocking footage has also drawn attention to the broader concerns about how violence is managed within prison systems. Following the incident, state advocacy groups have renewed their calls for transparency and accountability, emphasizing the need for institutional change within the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).
James stressed the importance of providing the Brooks family, their loved ones, and all New Yorkers with transparency and accountability through her investigation. “I do not take lightly the release of this video,” she stated, referring to the challenging timing amid the holiday season but emphasizing it was necessary to shed light on such disturbing events.
The Marcy Correctional Facility has come under scrutiny over its treatment of inmates. Reports from independent oversight bodies have noted systemic issues, including allegations of excessive force and racial discrimination among correctional staff. The Correctional Association of New York previously reported on the widespread brutality within the facility, which included 80% of inmates alleging they had seen or experienced abuse from staff members.
This incident highlights the urgent need for reform and institutional change within New York's prisons, as advocates campaign for greater oversight and accountability measures to protect inmates. The New York chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) asserted this incident is not isolated, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent future assaults and hold officers accountable for their actions.
Looking to the future, the DOCCS has committed to changes, such as activating body cameras during all officer-inmate interactions, to help monitor staff behavior and prevent the normalization of violence and abuse. DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello expressed his disgust at the footage, stating, “There is no excuse and no rationalization for vulgar, inhumane acts.” His leadership aims to initiate necessary discussions around corrections culture and how to effectively create safer environments for both inmates and staff.
The tragic death of Robert Brooks serves as a clarion call for reform within the correctional system, shedding light on the dire need to address issues of violence and dehumanization behind prison walls. The hope remains to bring about systemic change to prevent tragedies like this from occurring again, ensuring justice for Brooks and accountability for those involved.
