NY Prison Guard Brutality: Shocking Footage Released

Newly released body camera footage reveals a horrific assault on Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old inmate at the Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County, New York. The video shows correctional officers repeatedly pummeling Brooks while he was handcuffed, including striking him with a shoe and lifting him by the neck before dropping him. Brooks died the following morning.

The footage, released by New York Attorney General Letitia James, shows a brutal attack on a restrained man. The officers' actions led to outrage and calls for accountability from Governor Kathy Hochul, who stated she was “outraged and horrified” by the video.

Thirteen correctional officers and a nurse involved in the incident face termination. While the investigation continues, preliminary autopsy findings suggest concerns about asphyxia due to neck compression. The lack of audio on the body camera footage is due to the officers failing to activate the recording devices. However, the incident prompted a new directive from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, mandating body camera use during all staff interactions with incarcerated individuals.

Reactions to the video have been swift and intense. Brooks' family's lawyer, Elizabeth Mazur, described the beating as “fatal, violent,” and a violation of his right to safety. The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) released a statement saying that the footage was “incomprehensible” and not representative of the majority of correctional officers. Reform advocates, such as The Legal Aid Society and the Center for Community Alternatives, voiced concerns about systemic issues enabling such brutality and the need for transparency and accountability within the prison system.

The incident highlights long-standing concerns about violence and abuse within correctional facilities. Many are calling for systemic changes beyond just firing the involved officers. The investigation is ongoing, and the Attorney General’s office has not confirmed whether criminal charges will be filed.