Full Breakdown
Mayor Advocates for Mental Health Treatment Over Prosecution in Police Shooting Case
2/14/2026, 8:12:01 AM
Incident Overview: Police Shooting of Jabez Chakraborty
On January 26, 2026, Jabez Chakraborty, a 22-year-old man diagnosed with schizophrenia, was shot four times by police officers in his Briarwood, Queens home after allegedly lunging at them with a large kitchen knife. The incident occurred following a 911 call from a family member who requested medical assistance, expressing concern about Chakraborty's erratic behavior. Upon arrival, officers encountered Chakraborty, who reportedly ignored commands to drop the weapon and forced his way through a door used as a shield by Officer Tyree White, prompting the officer to discharge his weapon.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Despite calls from Mayor Zohran Mamdani for the Queens District Attorney's Office to drop charges against Chakraborty, he was arraigned from his hospital bed on charges of attempted assault and criminal possession of a weapon. During the arraignment, Chakraborty pleaded not guilty, and bail was set at $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz emphasized the obligation to pursue charges based on the facts of the case, stating, “As prosecutors, we are duty-bound to follow the facts, evidence and circumstances where they lead us, including in cases that have a mental health component.”
Mayor's Advocacy for Mental Health Care
Mayor Mamdani has publicly advocated for Chakraborty, asserting that he requires mental health treatment rather than criminal prosecution. He stated, “No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain,” and called for the creation of a Department of Community Safety to address mental health crises without police intervention. Mamdani visited Chakraborty in the hospital and expressed his belief that the young man should not face charges, arguing that the incident underscores the need for a more compassionate mental health response system.
Criticism of Law Enforcement Response
Chakraborty's family has criticized the NYPD's response, highlighting that they had specifically requested an ambulance, not police assistance. Chakraborty’s mother, Juli Chakraborty, expressed her distress, stating, “This is a nightmare. We didn’t need police, we just needed medical transport.” The family reported feeling interrogated by police about their immigration status following the shooting, a claim the NYPD has denied.
Conflicting Perspectives on Mental Health System
In response to the situation, DA Katz acknowledged the failures of the mental health system, stating, “It would be great if the system was able to fix this issue and work with this individual before this incident happened.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern regarding the adequacy of mental health resources available to individuals in crisis.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Jabez should not be prosecuted by the Queens district attorney,” — Mayor Zohran Mamdani
- “com “As alleged, the defendant tried to attack a police officer while holding a large knife, ignored repeated commands to drop the weapon, and then forcibly pushed through a door the officer was using as a shield to protect himself.” — DA Melinda Katz
- “What they need right now is care, dignity and support.” — Mayor Zohran Mamdani
- “Shackled to his bed while drifting in and out of consciousness, he has been subjected to a constant police presence.” — Legal Aid Society Statement
Conclusion: Ongoing Debate on Mental Health and Law Enforcement
The case of Jabez Chakraborty has sparked significant discussion regarding the intersection of mental health and law enforcement, highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes in how such situations are handled. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on the balance between public safety and the compassionate treatment of individuals facing mental health challenges.
