“Why Did New York Officers Beat a Handcuffed Prisoner to Death? Watch Footage Now”

On December 9, 2024, Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old inmate at the Marcy Correctional Facility in upstate New York, was brutally assaulted by correctional officers while he was handcuffed.

What Happened?

Correctional officials viciously attacked 43-year-old Robert Brooks, who was handcuffed at the Marcy Correctional Facility in upstate New York, on December 9, 2024. Body camera footage of the brutal confrontation was made public, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.

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Details of the Assault

The footage, made public by New York Attorney General Letitia James, depicts multiple correctional officers repeatedly punching and kicking Brooks as he lay restrained on a medical examination table.

Officers used extreme force, including striking him with a shoe and lifting him by the neck before dropping him back down. The attack lasted approximately 15 minutes, during which Brooks was left motionless and bloodied.

Who is Robert Brooks?

Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility in New York, tragically died following a brutal assault by correctional officers on December 9, 2024. Brooks, serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault, was transferred from Mohawk Correctional Facility on the day of the incident.

Body camera footage released by the New York Attorney General’s Office shows officers beating Brooks while he was handcuffed on a medical examination table. He was pronounced dead the following day, with preliminary autopsy findings indicating asphyxia due to neck compression.

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul on the Fatal Assault of Robert Brooks

Following this incident involving the fatal beating of inmate Robert Brooks, New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement detailing her response and actions taken. Here is the original statement made by Governor Hochul: 

“Yesterday I directed DOCCS Commissioner Martuscello to immediately begin the termination process for 14 individuals who were involved in the fatal attack on an incarcerated individual at Marcy Correctional Facility.

“This action comes after I directed an internal review of the circumstances that led to this individual’s death. I once again offer my condolences to the deceased individual’s family and loved ones.The vast majority of correction officers do extraordinary work under difficult circumstances, and we are all grateful for their service.”

“But we have no tolerance for individuals who cross the line, break the law, and engage in unnecessary violence or targeted abuse. Both the New York Attorney General and the DOCCS Office of Special Investigations are conducting ongoing reviews of this incident, and I am committed to accountability for all involved.”

This statement reflects Governor Hochul’s outrage over the incident and her commitment to ensuring accountability for those involved in Brooks’ death.

What was the Reason for it?

The violent incident involving New York correctional officers and inmate Robert Brooks is under investigation, but the exact reasons for the brutal beating remain unclear. However, several factors have emerged from the reports:

Circumstances Leading Up to the Incident: Robert Brooks, 43, had been transferred to the Marcy Correctional Facility from nearby Mohawk Correctional Facility on the same day of the attack, December 9, 2024.

The context of his transfer and any prior behavior that may have prompted the officers’ actions have not been fully disclosed.

Footage of the Assault: Body camera footage released by New York Attorney General Letitia James shows multiple correctional officers attacking Brooks while he was handcuffed and restrained on a medical examination table.

They were seen punching him in the face, torso, and groin, as well as using a shoe to strike him2. At one point, an officer is reported to have stuffed a white material into Brooks’ mouth before continuing to beat him.

Preliminary Autopsy Findings: Initial autopsy results indicated “concern for asphyxia due to compression of the neck,” suggesting that excessive force contributed significantly to his death. This has led to further scrutiny of the officers’ actions during the encounter.