ROBERT BROOKS SHOULD BE ALIVE!
Reflection on murder of Robert Brooks in Marcy NYS prison
By Edmar Flores
Dear Colleagues,
I wish to address a grave incident involving Robert Brooks, who was serving a 12-year sentence for assault at the time of his untimely death. Recently, a video surfaced, documenting an appalling event that occurred on December 9th, 2024, wherein fourteen correctional officers violently attacked Mr. Brooks within Marcy Correctional Facility. It is particularly disturbing to note that Mr. Brooks was restrained at the time of the assault, with both hands and legs cuffed, raising serious concerns about the treatment of individuals in custody.
The footage reveals a disturbing scene where correctional officers repeatedly punched, kicked, and otherwise assaulted Mr. Brooks, resulting in significant injuries. Mr. Brooks, who was merely 35 years old, was treated more like a punching bag than a human being, leading to a call for immediate and systemic reform within our correctional system.
This incident raises critical questions regarding accountability for actions taken by law enforcement personnel, particularly within the context of systemic racism. I urge state lawmakers to advocate for comprehensive reforms within New York's correctional system, which has long been perceived as flawed and in need of overhaul. Governor Kathy Hochul, who oversees the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, expressed her outrage regarding this incident and has pledged to address the situation.
However, it is essential for the community to demand accountability through peaceful protest, specifically calling for the prosecution of the fourteen officers involved, alongside a significant change in policy. New York State Attorney General Letitia James is currently investigating the incident, and it is hoped that charges will be brought against those responsible for this egregious act of violence. The violation of proper care standards for individuals in custody cannot be overlooked, and this incident serves as a critical moment for reflection and reassessment of practices within correctional facilities.
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Senator Julia Salazar, chair of the Senate's Committee on Corrections, has called for the arrest of the involved officers and the closure of the prison facility in question. It is imperative that legislators work collaboratively to develop measures that will prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Moreover, the spokesperson for the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association has stated intentions to support the officers involved, which highlights a pressing concern regarding the culture within correctional institutions. It is essential for the public to rally for justice, demanding that these officers face appropriate consequences for their actions.
We must honor the memory of Robert Brooks by ensuring that such a tragedy does not occur again. It is our collective responsibility to advocate for a just and humane correctional system.
Sincerely,
Beare Flores
USMC Veteran
Parents Supporting Parents, New York, Inc.
There’s nothing to justify the brutal murder of Robert Brooks because he was incarcerated. This is not a singular incident. Incarcerated people are often murdered by correction officers. We just never hear their names or stories. Being in prison isn’t a reason to viciously murder a human being. Our state taxes pay these correction officers' salaries. Their job is to CARE to care for incarcerated people and keep them safe while they are in prison. These people should be prosecuted. Instead the governor Kathy Hochul is talking about “they should be fired” The laws should not be diffirent for correction officers put in charge of peoples lives while incarcerated. The criminal justice system is about power and money to continue to enslave. It’s ’s never been about rehabilitation or justice. The lies this state of NY keeps telling kills us daily. We are tired of dying 😪 We are tired of being brutality murdered by people who have been given the power to kill us.
The only thing that will stop this will be THE PEOPLE!
Tanesha Grant
Parents Supporting Parents NY Inc
Moms United for Black Lives NYC
