New York Attorney General Releases Disturbing Videos of Inmate's Fatal Beating at Marcy Correctional Facility
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The New York Attorney General, Letitia James, has released body-camera videos showing the fatal beating of inmate Robert Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility. The videos, obtained by James' office, depict corrections officers assaulting Brooks, who was handcuffed at the time. The incident occurred on December 9, 2024, leading to Brooks' death the following day at a hospital.Brooks, a 43-year-old inmate, had been serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault since 2017. The footage, described as "shocking and disturbing," has prompted significant public and political reaction. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered the firing of more than a dozen prison staffers involved in the incident, and the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) has condemned the actions, stating that the incident does not reflect the work of the majority of their members.The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) is conducting the investigation, and James has committed to making the footage public after Brooks' family has viewed it. This move aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of the case. The union representing the correctional officers has expressed concerns that the release of the video will lead to comparisons with other high-profile incidents of violence involving law enforcement, potentially making correctional facilities more violent and unpredictable.Governor Hochul has stated that while the vast majority of correction officers perform their duties under challenging conditions, there is no tolerance for those who engage in unnecessary violence or abuse. The ongoing investigations by the Attorney General's office and the DOCCS Office of Special Investigations are focused on holding all responsible parties accountable.
