The FBI Albany Field Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Robert Brooks, an inmate at Mercy Correctional Facility, a state prison in Oneida County, who was assaulted by correctional officers.
“The FBI Albany Field Office and the Department of Justice are reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Robert L. Brooks to determine the appropriate federal response,” the FBI said Saturday in The Hill. said in an emailed statement to.
The department added that it could not comment further as the matter is currently under review.
The statement comes after a video showing correctional officers at a New York facility “repeatedly punching a handcuffed inmate, hitting him in the chest with a shoe, and lifting him up by the neck” was released on December 9. The announcement was made after the release by the Secretary. Drop him.” According to the Associated Press. According to the Associated Press, Brooks was pronounced dead at a hospital the morning after the assault.
The Associated Press also reported that the state attorney general is investigating the officers' use of force against Brooks.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement earlier this week condemning the “senseless” assault on Brooks.
“Like every New Yorker, I was outraged and horrified by the footage of the senseless killing of Robert Brooks,” Hochul said in a statement Friday.
Hochul ordered an investigation into Brooks' death and directed Daniel Martucello, director of the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, to “begin the process of terminating the 14 people involved in his fatal attack.” He added that he did.
Hochul vowed to hold everyone involved “fully accountable.”
“Once again, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Brooks’ family and loved ones as they grieve the tragic death of Mr. Brooks. We would like to thank the Attorney General and his team, the State Police, and everyone who worked with us to ensure justice was served in this case. Thank you to everyone,” the statement reads.
