Utica, NY – Today, Citizen Action of New York, alongside advocates and community members, gathered outside the State Office Building in Utica to mourn, express anger, and demand justice for Robert Brooks and all victims of police brutality. The rally stood to serve as a powerful call for systemic change and accountability within the justice system. This is not just about one life lost, but about the countless others at risk in a system plagued by injustice.
On December 9, 2024, Robert Brooks was brutally murdered by corrections officers at the Marcy Correctional Facility. This heinous act of violence highlights the urgent need for justice and the dismantling of a system that too often dehumanizes and disregards the lives of those it is meant to protect.
“Robert Brooks’ brutal murder at the hands of corrections officers is a horrifying example of the systemic brutality that plagues our justice system,” said Senya Bekui, Lead Organizer of Citizen Action of New York, CNY Chapter. “We demand immediate justice for Robert and an end to the unchecked violence that continues to claim innocent lives. Our fight won’t stop until there is full accountability and the dismantling of this inhumane system.”
“It wasn’t right. We need to do something about this. Every jail, every prison in this country has a ‘beat up squad’, every single one. They’re killing us in there and at the end of the day, this is Kathy Hochul’s responsibility,” said Ronald Dennie of VOCAL-NY Syracuse. “The only reason we’re seeing this is because there was body-cam footage. Most of these beating and murders are swept under the rug. It happens every day in prisons like Marcy, which should be closed. This reminds me of Daniel Prude who was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis in Rochester. They think they can get away with it because they do, that’s why we need to end qualified immunity.”
“We have been barraged with incidents that test our moral stance as a state. The tragic death of Robert Brooks doesn’t reveal a new problem—it exposes the old evil embedded within our system, brought into the light by this video,” said Lukee Forbes of We Are Revolutionary. “Closing one jail won’t dismantle the violent culture within our system or prevent these taxpayer-funded murders under the shield of qualified immunity. Our state and country continue to ignore these family prison gangs masquerading as law enforcement. They operate as criminal enterprises, committing murder, assault, extortion, rape, and more, protected by their badges. We must take a firm stance and set an example by indicting all involved in this organized crime.”
“When it comes to police and the prison industrial complex, reform is not possible, because the cruelty of the system is the point. The horrific and brutal murder of Robert Brooks, which 14 prison staff participated in, is a stark illustration of that fact,” said AJ Ruther, Syracuse DSA. Prisons do nothing to fix the root causes of most crime — like poverty, systemic oppression, and trauma. Prison often just moves people who are struggling into another traumatic environment, then releases them with no support. We must divest from the police and prisons and invest in real solutions to the root causes of crime such as affordable public housing, improved social services, lead remediation, mental healthcare, and counselors in schools and afterschool programs.”
“Robert Brooks is not here to tell his story because his life was brutally stolen by thirteen corrections officers and one medical professional who were entrusted to uphold order but who chose violence and hatred instead. This is not just an isolated tragedy; it’s a direct result of a system that dehumanizes, abuses power, and acts with impunity. We demand immediate accountability for those responsible for this heinous act,” said Thomas Kearney, Co-Founder, Capital Area Relief & Liberation. “To the Governor, legislators, and everyone in authority: The blood of Robert Brooks stains this system, and it will not be washed away until real accountability and reform take place. The time for justice is now. This movement will not rest until every person responsible for Robert’s death is held to account and systemic change becomes a reality.”
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with all organizations and individuals demanding justice for Robert Brooks. His brutal lynching is a harrowing reminder of the systemic violence rooted in racism that continues to plague our communities,” said a spokesperson for the NYS Jails Justice Network. “Together, we affirm that no life should be stolen by hatred, and we call for accountability, systemic change, and an end to the cycles of violence perpetuated against Black lives. United in purpose, we fight for justice, dignity, and the liberation of all oppressed people.”
“Indivisible Mohawk Valley stands with the family of Robert Brooks and the entire community in demanding justice. Abuse by corrections officers that leads to the death of an inmate is a serious crime and the perpetrators must be brought to justice. However, we also call for systemic changes such as improved oversight, better training, and reductions in overcrowding. Actions must be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place.”