Meek Mill has shared his thoughts on the video showing prison inmate Robert Brooks being assaulted by correctional officers shortly before he died.
Bodycam footage from the incident at Marcy Correctional Facility has been made public after 13 guards assaulted Brooks while he was handcuffed in a medical room, resulting in the inmate’s death the following day.
Brooks’ passing was determined to be caused by “asphyxia from neck compression.” The reasons for his being taken to the medical room are unclear.
Meek, who has previously served time in prison and later engaged in prison reform, criticized the behavior displayed in the video.
He posted on X (previously Twitter): “I never fully watched this til today … this what it is for black men in America if you get caught without them cameras around! If you been to jail b4 you seen this with your own eyes!”
Following the incident, New York governor Kathy Hochul has declared the dismissal of 13 prison officers tied to the event, alongside one nurse.
Hochul stated: “New York State has no tolerance for lawbreakers, and I am dedicated to ensuring all involved are fully held accountable.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James has launched an inquiry into Brooks’ death.
James additionally stated: “I publish the videos due to my responsibility and obligation to offer transparency and accountability to the Brooks family, their loved ones, and all New Yorkers.”
Brooks was said to be serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault and had just been moved to the New York prison on the day of the event.
Brooks’ family has subsequently engaged legal counsel and declared in a statement: “He had the right to live, and all others residing in Marcy Correctional Facility should know they shouldn’t have to exist in fear of violence from prison personnel.”
The Correctional Association of New York criticized the prison in a report last year, identifying cases of “widespread allegations of racial discrimination,” including Black inmates being denied access to mess halls and experiencing “maltreatment by staff.”
