Warning: Some of the content in the video might be considered graphic and violent to some viewers, so viewer discretion is advised.

Attorney General Letitia James on Friday released body camera footage from four corrections officers involved in an incident that led to the death of Robert Brooks.  

“These videos are shocking and disturbing,” she said.  

James said Robert Brooks had been incarcerated at Mohawk Correctional Facility and on Dec. 9 was transferred to Marcy Correctional Facility. She did not state the reason for the transfer. Both facilities are in Oneida County. 

The body-worn cameras were not activated, but in standby mode, according to James. They were not recording audio.  

James released two videos each from four officers — one redacted and one unredacted. They capture the incident from different angles. 

The videos pick up from a point where Brooks is outside around 9:15 p.m. He is then brought inside. 

Three officers can be seen bringing Brooks in at about 9:22 p.m. His hands are shackled behind his back. Two officers are carrying by his arms and one by his feet. 

He is placed on a medical bed. One officer can be seen punching hm and another hits him in the stomach. Another one kicks him. 

At one point, the officers remove his clothes, pulling off his pants. An officer is seen hitting him in the buttocks and another slaps his stomach. 

Brooks’ face is bloody and bruised.  He is also held down while other officers kick him.  

They then grab him by the collar and pull him off of the bed and up against the wall. 

Some officers and other personnel are outside in the hallway during this time. 

James said that Brooks was later taken to a local hospital, where he died on Dec. 10.  

James said she did not take lightly the release of these videos, especially in light of the holiday season. 

“As Attorney General, I release these videos because I have a responsibility to provide the Brooks’ family, their loved ones and all New Yorkers with transparency and accountability,” she said.  

James said she met with Brooks’ family members on Dec. 16 and showed them the videos. She extended her deepest condolences to them.  

James is investigating the incident – as required by state law in officer-involved incidents that result in a civilian’s death.

“The attorneys in my office are conducting an exhaustive review of the facts and the evidence,” she said.  

She added the conduct of these officers should not reflect poorly on those who go to work every day to protect and serve their community.  

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III issued a statement condemning the attack.  

“Watching video evidence of Robert Brooks’ life being taken left me feeling deeply repulsed and nauseated. There is no excuse and no rationalization for a vulgar, inhumane act that senselessly took a life. This type of behavior cannot be normalized, and I will not allow it to be within DOCCS. We will transparently and independently investigate this tragedy but also our entire department to identify places where we can improve and make changes.” 

He said one officer has resigned and 13 have been suspended without pay.

Brooks was sentenced in 2017 to 12 years in prison after being convicted of first-degree assault in Monroe County. WHEC-TV reported that Brooks stabbed his girlfriend multiple times in the Rochester-area suburb of Greece in 2016. The woman survived.

WHEC