UTICA, NY — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she was “outraged” and shocked after witnessing body-worn camera video released Friday showing correctional officers at a correctional facility fatally beating an inmate who was handcuffed earlier this month.
Robert Brooks, who was serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault at Marcy Correctional Facility, a medium-security prison in New York, died on Dec. 10 at Wynn Hospital in Utica.
The 43-year-old man, who is Black, had been serving his sentence since 2017, per the Associated Press. Marcy is located about 200 miles northwest of New York City.
On Friday, New York Attorney General said the fatal beating was under investigation.
Parts of the video show officers surrounding Brooks in a medical examination room. Brooks, whose face is partially covered in blood in the video, appeared to be kicked and beaten by the officers. Brooks appeared to have beaten shortly after he arrived at the facility.
““Like all New Yorkers, I was outraged and horrified after seeing footage of the senseless killing of Robert Brooks. I have been clear that it is the responsibility of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to provide appropriate care and protection for those in its custody, and I will not tolerate anyone who violates that responsibility. That is why I ordered an immediate and full investigation into the death of Robert Brooks and further directed DOCCS Commissioner Martuscello to begin the termination process for the 14 individuals who were involved in his fatal attack,” Hochul said in a statement released on Friday. “The State of New York has zero tolerance for individuals who break the law, and I am committed to holding everyone involved fully accountable. Once again, I want to offer my deepest condolences to Mr. Brooks’ family and loved ones as they grieve his tragic death. I am grateful to the Attorney General and her team, our State Police, and everyone working with us to ensure justice is served in this case.”
None of the officers involved in the fatal beating of Brooks appeared to be Black.
The fatal beating of Brooks was caught on bodycam video but the audio was off, even though officers were required to keep the audio on.
At one point in the video, one of the correctional officers appears to put something into Brooks’ mouth before hitting him in the face multiple times. One of the officers is also seen punching Brooks in the groin.
Officers can be smiling in the video as Brooks remained handcuffed with his face bloodied.
The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association released a statement after watching the video, which said in part: “What we witnessed is incomprehensible to say the least and is certainly not reflective of the great work that the vast majority of our membership conducts every day.”
“This incident not only endangers our entire membership but undermines the integrity of our profession. We cannot and will not condone this behavior.”
According to the Correctional Association of New York, a prison oversight group, racism and violent behavior was documented by the organization two years ago when the Marcy Correctional Facility was on a monitoring visit.
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