Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul

"No family should ever have to endure what the family of Robert Brooks has been through. The senseless killing of Mr. Brooks by those charged with protecting him horrified us all. While I am grateful for law enforcement and the District Attorney's efforts to hold the perpetrators accountable, there is nothing that can erase the pain the Brooks family has endured. It is my hope that this agreement will provide them with some measure of relief in the aftermath of his loss.

"Robert Brooks should be alive today. Every individual who enters a DOCCS facility deserves to be safe, and I am committed to continuing to do everything in my power to ensure our correctional facilities are fully reformed and safe for all.

"I want to send a message loud and clear: We have zero tolerance for anyone who violates their oath by committing an act of violence or putting the safety of others at risk."