Body-Cam Footage Released
Video footage showing a grave incident at the Marcy Correctional Facility has surfaced, revealing correctional officers violently assaulting a handcuffed inmate, Robert Brooks. The footage has sparked outrage and calls for accountability regarding the treatment of inmates in correctional settings.
The Incident
On December 9, Brooks, 43, was shown in the footage being struck in the chest with a shoe, punched multiple times in the face, and lifted by the neck before being dropped back onto a medical examination table. The visible brutality was alarming, raising questions about the use of force by officers.
Immediate Consequences
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her outrage, stating she felt ‘horrified’ by the videos portraying what she termed a ‘senseless killing.’ In response, thirteen correctional officers and a nurse involved in the incident are facing termination.
Medical Findings
The New York Attorney General, Letitia James, mentioned that preliminary autopsy results suggest concerns of asphyxia due to neck compression as a potential cause of death. The formal investigation continues as the final autopsy report awaits completion.
Reactions from Advocacy Groups
Advocacy groups are demanding reform and transparency in the treatment of inmates. The Correctional Association of New York has previously documented systemic issues of violence and racism within the Marcy facility. Legal advocates stress the need for accountability and comprehensive examination of use-of-force policies.
Conclusion
This gruesome incident raises critical concerns about prison conditions and the treatment of inmates, urging a re-evaluation of correctional practices across New York prisons.
