Rapper and prison reform advocate Meek Mill has expressed outrage following the release of bodycam footage showing the fatal beating of inmate Robert Brooks by correctional officers. The incident occurred at Marcy Correctional Facility, where 13 guards were recorded assaulting Brooks, who was handcuffed at the time. The attack took place in a medical room, and Brooks died the following day from asphyxia caused by neck compression.
“This is what it’s like for Black men in America if you get caught without cameras around,” Meek Mill said.
Meek Mill addressed the issue on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the violence. “I never fully watched this until today,” he wrote. “This is what it’s like for Black men in America if you get caught without cameras around. If you’ve been to jail before, you’ve seen this with your own eyes.” His statement highlights the systemic abuse faced by incarcerated individuals, particularly Black men.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the immediate dismissal of all 13 officers involved, along with a nurse. “The state of New York has zero tolerance for individuals who break the law,” she stated, pledging to hold all involved accountable. Attorney General Letitia James launched an investigation into Brooks’ death, emphasizing the need for transparency. She released the footage to provide clarity for Brooks’ family and the public.
Brooks’ family, now represented by legal counsel, condemned the violence in a statement. “He deserved to live, and everyone else living in Marcy Correctional Facility deserves to know they do not have to live in fear of violence at the hands of prison staff,” they said.
The incident has reignited national conversations about prison reform. Meek Mill, who has long been an advocate for systemic change following his own experiences with incarceration, continues to push for accountability and justice. His comments bring attention to the widespread abuse within the prison system and the urgent need for reform.
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