Newly released bodycam footage reveals a fatal assault on an inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility in upstate New York. The footage released by Attorney General Letitia James depicts three prison guards savagely assaulting Robert Brooks, 43, while he was handcuffed in an examination room on December 9.Brooks, who was serving a 12-year sentence for assault, died from his injuries the following day. His death was attributed to "asphyxia due to compression of the neck," according to the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office.

Shocking Footage of Violent BeatingThe video depicts guards hitting, stomping on, and kicking Brooks, who was held with his hands secured behind his back. Blood dripped from his swollen face while other officers stood nearby, not stepping in. Brooks looked weak and unresponsive after having his clothes taken off, leaving him in just his underwear. (Viewers discretion is advised before viewing the following footage.)

Attorney General James stated that the recordings, made by four bodycams, were silent since the cameras were in standby mode. “I do not take lightly the release of this video, especially during the holiday season,” James stated. She stressed her duty to guarantee public transparency.The attack commenced soon after Brooks was moved from Mohawk Correctional Facility, located 12 miles away, earlier that same day. The cause of the violence is still unknown. Officials Respond to the IncidentState corrections commissioner Daniel Martuscello III denounced the assault, describing it as “vulgar” and “inhumane.” He reported that 13 employees were placed on unpaid leave, while one chose to resign. At the request of Governor Kathy Hochul, Martuscello began the procedure to dismiss those implicated.“There is no excuse for this senseless act,” Martuscello said. “These individuals do not represent the culture of DOCCS.” He stated that an internal inquiry was in progress, and measures were being implemented to avoid similar occurrences in the future. Attorney General James verified that her office was performing a comprehensive investigation. According to James, the footage has been reviewed by Brooks' family. Public Outcry and Calls for JusticeElizabeth Mazur, the Brooks family's attorney, described the beating as “horrific and extreme.” She said Brooks had the right to live without fear of violence and criticized the officers for failing in their duty to protect him. Civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton condemned the attack, calling for criminal charges against the officers involved. “Their actions not only justify their firing but also merit appropriate criminal charges,” Sharpton stated.