Rally in Brooklyn to Demand Justice for Robert Brooks

A protester holds a poster demanding justice for Robert Brooks, Dec 28, 2024, a 43-year-old inmate who died earlier this month after an alleged assault by corrections officers at Marcy Correctional Facility. Demonstrators gathered at the intersection to call for accountability and systemic reforms in New York’s prison system. The protest followed the release of body camera footage showing the incident.

Protesters gathered Thursday evening, December 28, at the intersection of Jay Street and Fulton Street, demanding justice for Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old inmate who died on December 10 after allegedly being beaten by corrections officers at Marcy Correctional Facility. The demonstration, organized by Dare to Struggle NYC, called for accountability for those involved and systemic reforms in New York’s prison system.
The protest came a day after New York Attorney General Letitia James released body camera footage showing the violent assault on Brooks. Critics have accused the Attorney General’s office of attempting to minimize public reaction by releasing the footage during the holiday season.
Protesters held signs reading “Justice for Robert Brooks” and “End Prison Abuse,” demanding criminal charges for the officers involved, an end to inmate mistreatment, and comprehensive reforms. A spokesperson for the organizing group said, “This kind of violence cannot be normalized, and we must hold those responsible accountable.”

 

NYPD officers followed protesters to the subway station after the rally and remained until they boarded and left the area.

Brooks, who was serving a 12-year sentence, was reportedly restrained during the incident. Preliminary autopsy results indicated his death was caused by asphyxia due to neck compression. Following the release of the footage, 13 corrections officers were suspended, and one resigned.
Advocacy groups, including the Correctional Association of New York, say the incident highlights ongoing issues of violence and racial discrimination in state prisons. A 2023 report revealed that four out of five prisoners at Marcy Correctional Facility had witnessed or experienced abuse. Protesters emphasized the need for systemic change to ensure the safety and dignity of incarcerated individuals.

 

 

 ⚠️Warning Graphic Video ⚠️
The link to the bodycam footage released by the New York Attorney General regarding the content above.
https://player.vimeo.com/video/1042300081?h=d70579c6e8