NYC Gazette

The recent events at the Marcy Correctional Facility have drawn attention following the severe beating and subsequent death of Robert Brooks. Speaker Carl Heastie expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting the disturbing nature of the videos captured by body-worn cameras.

According to Heastie, "Mr. Brooks was shackled and defenseless, but that didn’t stop corrections officers from administering a brutal and extended beating that can only be described as torture." He emphasized that such incidents do not contribute to public safety or benefit those working within the prison system or the incarcerated individuals.

Heastie noted that while Mr. Brooks was serving time for his crime, "beating, torture and death were not part of his sentence." The Speaker called for justice and accountability for everyone involved in what he described as the brutalization of Mr. Brooks, including those who did not intervene.

In closing, Heastie extended condolences to Mr. Brooks' family as they cope with this tragic event.