New York Attorney General Releases Footage of Inmate’s Fatal Beating by Staff at Marcy Correctional Facility
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The New York Attorney General’s Office has released videos from inside the Marcy Correctional Facility that show an inmate being beaten by staff while restrained. The inmate, Robert Brooks, 43, of Greece, died on December 10, 2024, following an encounter with New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) officers at the facility.
Background
Brooks was sentenced to serve 12 years in prison for an assault in Monroe County and was admitted to Marcy in 2017. The incident has sparked outrage from various parties, including Governor Kathy Hochul, the union that represents state corrections officers, and Brooks’ family.
Footage Released
Attorney General Letitia James announced earlier this month that Brooks died on December 10, 2024, at the hospital following an encounter with DOCCS officers at Marcy Correctional Facility. On Friday, James streamed live the redacted footage, which was taken from the body-worn cameras of four correction officers: Sgt. Glenn Trombly, Officer Michael Along, Officer Michael Fisher, and Officer Matthew Galliher. The officers had their cameras on, but in "standby mode" and were not recording audio.
Warning: Disturbing Imagery
The footage shows the incident, which has been described as "extremely disturbing" by those who have viewed it. The videos may contain violent or disturbing imagery, and viewers are urged to take caution.
Reactions and Investigations
The incident has sparked universal outrage, with Governor Kathy Hochul announcing that she is pushing for the terminations of 14 staff members who were allegedly involved in what she called an "attack" on Brooks. The union that represents state corrections officers, NYSCOPBA, has also condemned the actions of those involved, calling it "incomprehensible to say the least." The New York State Sheriff’s Association described the incident as "extreme cruelty" and stated that "no human being should be treated that way by another human being."
Conclusion
The incident at Marcy Correctional Facility is a disturbing reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of inmates in state custody. The investigations and reactions to the incident will continue to unfold in the coming days and weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the nature of the incident at Marcy Correctional Facility?
A: The incident involves an inmate, Robert Brooks, who was beaten by staff while restrained, resulting in his death.
Q: How did the Attorney General’s Office respond to the incident?
A: The Office released footage from the body-worn cameras of four correction officers, which shows the incident, and is investigating the matter.
Q: What is the reaction from Governor Kathy Hochul and the union that represents state corrections officers?
A: Governor Hochul has announced that she is pushing for the terminations of 14 staff members involved in the incident, while the union has condemned the actions of those involved, calling it "incomprehensible to say the least."
