Supporters Call for Justice at Rally for Robert Brooks

Hundreds gathered outside the Monroe County Jail on Monday evening to demand justice for Robert Brooks, 43, who died after a violent encounter with correctional officers at Marcy Correctional Facility earlier this month.

The vigil, organized by family members and activists, featured candlelight and impassioned speeches calling for justice and systemic reform within New York's prison system.

"This killing must be a catalyst for change. Justice must be served," declared Brooks' son, Robert Lee Brooks Jr., addressing the crowd for the first time since his father's death.

Brooks' aunt, Barbara Brooks, expressed a mix of emotions, including anger and sadness, over her nephew's death. "No one should ever have to go that way," she said, emphasizing the need for accountability among correctional officers.

The incident involving Robert Brooks occurred on December 9 at Marcy Correctional Facility, where body camera footage shows correctional officers beating the handcuffed inmate. Brooks was pronounced dead the following day, with the medical examiner citing asphyxia due to neck compression as the cause of death.

In response to the incident, Governor Kathy Hochul announced immediate corrective actions, including the appointment of a new superintendent at Marcy Correctional Facility and an expedited investment of over $400 million in surveillance equipment across all state facilities.

The New York Attorney General's Office has released body-worn camera footage of the incident and is conducting an ongoing investigation into Brooks' death.

As the investigation continues, community members and activists vow to keep pressure on state officials to ensure meaningful reforms are implemented to prevent future tragedies.

"Seeing everyone gathered here tonight gives me hope in the possibility of change and lets me know that we are not alone," said Robert Lee Brooks Jr.

The rally concluded with a moment of silence, as attendees held candles aloft in memory of Robert Brooks and others who have suffered similar fates within the prison system.

"They're supposed to be reforming our guys to come back home, not killing them," Barbara Brooks remarked, calling for the removal of abusive correctional officers from the system.

The community's call for justice and reform continues as lawmakers debate  the systemic issues highlighted by Brooks' death.