FBI Investigating Fatal Beating of Inmate Robert Brooks in New York Prison

The FBI Albany Field Office, as well as the Department of Justice, are investigating the death of Robert Brooks, an inmate at the Marcy Correctional Facility who was assaulted by correctional officers.

Recently, the FBI sent a statement to The Hill regarding its investigation, saying: “The FBI Albany Field Office and the Department of Justice are reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding the death of Robert L. Brooks to determine the appropriate federal response.”

The assault took place on December 9 at the facility, which is located in New York’s Oneida County. Bodycam footage of the attack was released by New York Attorney General Letitia James, whose Office of Special Investigations is investigating the incident.

In the footage, Brooks can be seen being kicked and punched by correctional officers while his hands are handcuffed behind his back in a medical examination room.

“On December 9, following a use of force by correction officers, Mr. Brooks — who was incarcerated at Marcy Correctional Facility — was transported to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead in the early morning hours of December 10,” a statement from James’ office said.

Brooks, who had been serving a 12-year prison sentence for first-degree assault since 2017, died at the age of 43.

In a separate statement, Kathy Hochul, governor of New York, addressed Brooks’ death after visiting the Marcy Correctional Facility.

“Today, as I stood in the room where Robert Brooks was killed, I was once again heartbroken by this unnecessary loss of life and further sickened to think of the actions of depraved individuals with no regard for human life,” Hochul said. “Mr. Brooks and his family did not deserve this. … The system failed Mr. Brooks and I will not be satisfied until there has been significant culture change.”

In the statement, Hochul announced a number of new policies for the facility and within the New York State Department of Corrections and Community (DOCCS), including appointing a new superintendent at the facility, adding DOCCS staff to the Office of Special Investigations and more.

She has also called for all 14 individuals involved in Brooks’ death to be terminated from their positions. 13 of them have been suspended without pay, while one has resigned.