REV. AL SHARPTON RESPONDS TO HORRIFIC VIDEO OF UPSTATE NY CORRECTION OFFICERS KILLING ROBERT L. BROOKS

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Dec 27, 2024

Applauds State’s Swift Action to Fire 14 Officials, Transparency in Investigation and Urges Justice for Brooks and His Family

NEW YORK, NY (December 27, 2024)—Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), issued the following statement in wake of footage released this afternoon that shows correction officers fatally beating inmate Robert Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility in Utica, New York.

Brooks, 43, had been serving a 12-year sentence since 2017 at the facility when he was beaten by several officers on December 9th. He died a day later of what the local medical examiner called “asphyxia due to compression of the neck.” Governor Hochul subsequently ordered the firing of 14 officers at the facility, and Brooks’ death is now being investigated by four agencies including the New York Attorney General’s Office, which released the footage on Friday.

“The footage of Robert Brooks’ death is as horrifying as what we saw when George Floyd, Tyre Nichols, and countless other Black men and women have been killed by law enforcement. These officers clearly thought they were within their right to hit Brooks in the stomach with the heel of a boot, level punches at his face or torso, and throw him around like a ragdoll—all with his hands behind his back. They were wrong. It is disturbing that some of them had the sense to smile and smirk while a human being was forced against a wall by three officers just a few feet away. Their actions in this tape not only justify their firing but should merit appropriate criminal charges.

I and the National Action Network want to thank New York State’s leaders for their swift action to address this heinous murder. Governor Hochul’s decision to rightfully fire the 14 officials involved has been followed up with transparency by Attorney General James. This is a signal to the rest of the nation that leaders have a sworn duty to respond to unspeakable acts such as these for the sake of those murdered and their families. My hope is that the criminal justice system will see this case through and ensure justice for Robert Brooks and his loved ones.”

About National Action Network (NAN)
National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency, and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality, or gender.

For more information go to www.nationalactionnetwork.net.

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