Recently released body camera footage provides a harrowing glimpse into the violent treatment of a restrained inmate by corrections officers in New York. The chilling video, made public by the New York State Attorney General, captures the moment officers ruthlessly strike the bloodied man multiple times, underlining serious concerns about prisoner rights and law enforcement accountability.

The distressing footage reveals Robert Brooks, an inmate serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault, being subjected to extreme violence. He is seen being repeatedly punched and kicked by multiple officers, while one officer appears to attempt to suffocate him with a towel. This shocking display of brutality raises critical questions about the treatment of inmates and the protocols in place to protect their dignity and safety.

The harrowing footage from the Attorney General’s office shows one officer striking Brooks in the midsection with a shoe while other officers restrain him with his arms pinned behind his back. At one point, the officers can be seen lifting Brooks by his neck, exposing him to further harm. The video graphically illustrates the extent of injuries Brooks sustained, with blood smeared across his face, indicating he was unable to support his own weight during this brutal encounter.

According to statements from the Attorney General’s office, Brooks was involved in a significant “use of force” incident with corrections officers on December 9 at the Marcy Correctional Facility located in Upstate New York. Following the incident, he was transported to Wynn Hospital in Utica, approximately 7 miles away, where he tragically passed away in the early morning hours of December 10. This timeline raises serious concerns about the circumstances leading to his death and the care provided during and after the incident.

The Commissioner of NY State’s Division of Corrections and Community Supervision, Daniel F. Martuscello III, expressed profound disgust upon viewing the video evidence of Robert Brooks’s fatal encounter. He stated, “Watching the video proof of Robert Brook’s life being taken left me feeling deeply repulsed and nauseated. There isn’t any excuse and no rationalization for a vulgar, inhumane act that senselessly took a life. This sort of habits can’t be normalized, and I cannot permit it to be inside DOCCS.” His remarks highlight the urgency for systemic change within the correctional system.

Commissioner Martuscello has stated that his department will conduct an independent investigation into this tragic event, promising significant changes to prevent future occurrences. Among the swift actions taken, he noted that 13 staff members involved in this incident have been suspended, and one officer has resigned. These steps are part of a larger commitment to ensure that corrections officers are held accountable for their actions and to foster an environment where inmate safety is prioritized.