Meek Mill has expressed his opinion on the video showing prison inmate Robert Brooks assaulted by correctional officers just prior to his death.
Bodycam video of the event at Marcy Correctional Facility has been made public following the beating of Brooks by 13 guards while he was handcuffed in a medical room, resulting in the inmate’s death a day later.
Brooks’ passing was determined to be caused by “asphyxia from neck compression.” The reason for his transfer to the medical room is unknown.
Meek, who has experienced incarceration himself and has since engaged in prison reform, criticized the behavior displayed in the video.
He posted on X (previously Twitter): “I never really watched this until today… this is what it’s like for Black men in America if there are no cameras present.” “If you’ve been to jail before, you’ve witnessed this firsthand!”
Following the incident, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared the dismissal of 13 prison officers connected to the event, in addition to one nurse.
Hochul stated: “New York State has no tolerance for those who violate the law, and I am dedicated to ensuring that all parties involved face full accountability.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James has initiated an inquiry into Brooks’ death.
James additionally stated: “I publish the videos because I feel a responsibility and obligation to offer the Brooks family, their friends, and all New Yorkers transparency and accountability.”
It was reported that Brooks was serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault and was transferred to the New York prison that very day of the incident.
Brooks’ family has since engaged legal counsel and remarked in a statement: “He had a right to live, and all others residing in Marcy Correctional Facility are entitled to know they should not have to exist in fear of violence from prison staff.”
A report from the Correctional Association of New York last year criticized the prison for “widespread allegations of racial discrimination,” noting instances where Black inmates were denied access to mess halls and experienced “mistreatment by staff.”
