New York Gov. Kathy Hochul condemned the “senseless” assault of Robert Brooks, an inmate at the Marcy Correctional Facility, a state prison in Oneida County, which resulted in his death.
“Like all New Yorkers, I was outraged and horrified after seeing footage of the senseless killing of Robert Brooks,” Hochul said in a statement issued Friday.
Her statement comes after a video was released by the state’s attorney general, which showed correctional officers at the New York facility on Dec. 9 “repeatedly pummeling a handcuffed inmate, striking him in the chest with a shoe, and lifting him by the neck and dropping him,” according to The Associated Press. Brooks was pronounced dead at a hospital the morning after the assault, AP reported.
Hochul added that she ordered an investigation into the death of Brooks and directed state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel Martuscello to “begin the termination process for the 14 individuals who were involved in his fatal attack.”
Hochul vowed to hold everyone involved “fully accountable.”
“Once again, I want to offer my deepest condolences to Mr. Brooks’ family and loved ones as they grieve his tragic death. I am grateful to the Attorney General and her team, our State Police, and everyone working with us to ensure justice is served in this case,” the statement read.
AP reported that the state’s attorney general is investigating the officers’ use of force against Brooks.
