Robert Brooks, 43, died in a local hospital a day after a 9 December incident at the Marcy correctional facility in central New York.

Hochul said her decision to initiate the firing process of 13 correction officers and a prison nurse came after an “internal review” of the incident, of which there is video that is being reviewed by prosecutors.

“We have no tolerance for individuals who cross the line, break the law and engage in unnecessary violence or targeted abuse,” Hochul said in a 21 December statement. “I am committed to accountability for all involved.”

The New York attorney general, Letitia James, who is conducting an investigation into “the use of force by correction officers that preceded the death of Mr Robert Brooks at Marcy correctional facility”, said in a press release that her office of special investigation obtained video of the incident.

James said: “We will make the footage available to the public after Mr Brooks’ family has had the opportunity to view it.”