Mayor Mamdani Wants Mental Health Care for Man Shot by Police

Mayor Mamdani visited Jabez Chakraborty in the hospital after he was shot by police. Chakraborty had a knife and reportedly went towards officers. The Mayor believes Chakraborty needs mental health care and asked the District Attorney not to charge him. This has led to some people being unhappy.
By Newsroom | Local News, New York City |

Mayor Mamdani's actions following a recent police shooting have ignited a significant public debate, drawing criticism from various quarters. The central point of contention is his expressed desire for the suspect, who allegedly charged at officers with a knife, to receive mental health treatment instead of facing criminal prosecution. This stance has prompted scrutiny from police advocates, political opponents, and segments of the public who perceive it as a disregard for the safety of law enforcement officers.

Context

On January 26, 2026, in Briarwood, Queens, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded to an incident where Jabez Chakraborty, 22, reportedly armed with a large kitchen knife, advanced on NYPD officers. The officers, responding to a 911 call from Chakraborty's family, stated they did not draw their weapons until Chakraborty produced the knife. Bodycam footage released by the NYPD shows an officer retreating and issuing commands before firing his weapon. Chakraborty sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

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Following the incident, Mayor Mamdani visited Chakraborty and his family in the hospital. He subsequently urged Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz to refrain from prosecuting Chakraborty, emphasizing that the young man requires mental health care, citing a history of schizophrenia. The Chakraborty family, according to reports, also requested that he not be prosecuted and expressed dissatisfaction with the police response, though 911 records indicate the call was for emergency medical services due to Chakraborty's agitated state.

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Evidence

  • Bodycam Footage: NYPD bodycam footage depicts an officer retreating and issuing verbal commands to Jabez Chakraborty, who is holding a knife, before firing. Chakraborty is shown advancing toward the officers.

  • Mayor Mamdani's Public Statements:

  • Mayor Mamdani publicly called on DA Melinda Katz to "not prosecute" Chakraborty, stating he "needs mental health care." (Article 1, 4)

  • He met with Chakraborty's family, who had reportedly criticized his initial response. (Article 1)

  • At a press conference, he reiterated that Chakraborty requires mental health treatment. (Article 4)

  • He initially posted about the incident on the day it occurred, expressing gratitude to first responders. (Article 4)

  • Chakraborty's Family Statements:

  • The family stated they had requested emergency medical responders, not police. (Article 7)

  • They reportedly criticized police for escalating the situation. (Article 3)

  • The family is also demanding that Chakraborty not be prosecuted. (Article 4)

  • NYPD Official Statements:

  • Officers reportedly did not draw their guns until Chakraborty produced the knife. (Article 1, 4)

  • The incident involved a knife-wielding individual who charged at officers. (Article 3)

  • 911 Call Records: Records indicate the family reported Chakraborty was "belligerent, throwing glass" prior to officers' arrival. (Article 3)

Official Response vs. Law Enforcement Advocacy

Mayor Mamdani's approach highlights a divergence in perspective between the administration's focus on mental health and the concerns of law enforcement advocacy groups.

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  • Administration's Position:

  • Mayor Mamdani emphasized that Chakraborty "needs mental health care" and called for treatment over prosecution. (Article 1, 4)

  • He stated he had "lived with schizophrenia for many years" prior to the shooting. (Article 2)

  • During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani had pledged to deploy mental health teams to respond to certain 911 calls. (Article 5)

  • Law Enforcement Concerns:

  • Critics suggest that police officers may feel unsupported by the Mayor's stance, potentially impacting morale and officer safety perceptions. (Article 2)

  • Some observers have voiced concern that officers might face prosecution for defending themselves in such encounters. (Article 3)

  • One account notes the Mayor did not check in on the officer involved. (Article 6)

Nature of the Encounter

The incident involves conflicting accounts regarding the immediacy of the threat and the actions taken by all parties involved.

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  • Officer's Account:

  • Bodycam footage shows the officer retreating and ordering Chakraborty to drop the weapon before firing. (Article 3)

  • Officers stated they drew their weapons only after Chakraborty pulled the knife. (Article 1, 4)

  • The responding officer, Tyree White, was faced with a man who charged at him with a kitchen knife. (Article 3)

  • Suspect's Circumstances:

  • Chakraborty, 22, was experiencing a mental health crisis and had a history of schizophrenia. (Article 2, 3, 5)

  • He was holding a large kitchen knife and advanced toward officers. (Article 1, 3)

  • A family member attempted to intervene and stop him from going after the officers. (Article 5)

Public and Political Reaction

The Mayor's response has drawn criticism from various segments, with some framing it as prioritizing the suspect over law enforcement.

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  • Criticism and Backlash:

  • Mamdani has faced "backlash" for visiting Chakraborty and advocating for no charges. (Article 2)

  • One commentator stated, "You got what you asked for, NYC." (Article 2)

  • Concerns have been raised that this situation could lead to officers facing prosecution for defending themselves. (Article 3)

  • Family's Perspective:

  • The Chakraborty family criticized the police response, although 911 records suggest they reported Chakraborty as "belligerent, throwing glass." (Article 3)

  • They also joined the call for Chakraborty not to be prosecuted. (Article 4)

Expert Analysis

Attributed insights from experts are not directly available in the provided texts. However, the narratives reflect a broader societal discussion regarding mental health crises, police response protocols, and the legal ramifications for individuals involved in such encounters. The differing viewpoints suggest a complex challenge in balancing public safety, the rights of individuals experiencing mental health issues, and the protection of law enforcement officers.

Conclusion

Mayor Zohran Mamdani's intervention in the case of Jabez Chakraborty has positioned him at the center of a debate concerning mental health, policing, and the justice system. His call to the Queens District Attorney to forgo prosecution in favor of mental health treatment for Chakraborty, who allegedly charged police with a knife, has been met with significant public scrutiny and criticism, particularly from those who prioritize officer safety and accountability for alleged aggressive actions.

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The evidence, including bodycam footage and official statements, indicates that Chakraborty advanced on officers while armed. Conversely, the Mayor and Chakraborty's family underscore his history of mental illness as a primary factor. The situation underscores a complex societal challenge: how to respond effectively and justly to individuals experiencing mental health crises who pose a potential threat, while also ensuring the safety and support of law enforcement officers who must make split-second decisions in volatile situations. The ongoing debate highlights the tensions between restorative approaches to mental health and traditional legal consequences for actions that endanger public safety.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened with Jabez Chakraborty?
Jabez Chakraborty was shot by police after he reportedly advanced on them with a large knife. He has a history of mental illness.
Q: What does Mayor Mamdani want?
Mayor Mamdani visited Chakraborty in the hospital and asked the District Attorney not to charge him. He believes Chakraborty needs mental health treatment.
Q: Why are some people unhappy?
Some people, including police supporters, think the Mayor is not supporting the police officers enough and that the man should face charges for his actions.
Q: What do Chakraborty's family say?
The family also asked for Chakraborty not to be prosecuted and said they had called for medical help, not police.