Mayor Mamdani Urges Queens DA Not To Charge Mentally Ill Man Shot By NYPD, Calls For Mental-Health Response

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged the Queens district attorney on Tuesday not to pursue criminal charges against 22-year-old Jabez Chakraborty, who was shot by NYPD officers during an incident on Jan. 26. Mamdani, who reviewed body-worn camera footage, said the case underscores the need for mental-health treatment and alternative crisis-response options rather than prosecution.

What Happened

According to NYPD officials, officers responded to a family emergency call from a home on Parsons Boulevard in the Briarwood neighborhood after Chakraborty allegedly began throwing glass inside the residence. Police say Chakraborty was armed with a large kitchen knife and charged at officers. Officers repeatedly ordered him to drop the knife and attempted to separate him behind a glass door, but police say he pushed through the door and advanced toward them with the weapon extended. An officer then fired multiple rounds, striking Chakraborty. He was transported to a hospital in critical but stable condition.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he does not believe the Queens district attorney should prosecute a mentally ill man who was shot by police as he ran toward officers with a knife.(Getty Images)

Family Account

The family told reporters they had called 911 seeking an ambulance and medical assistance because Chakraborty was in emotional distress. They say he was shot at least four times and criticized the police response, alleging that officers prevented them from seeing their son for more than 24 hours. In a statement, the family said:

"We called for help. We called 911 for an ambulance to provide medical attention for our son, who was in emotional distress. We did not call the police. Instead of medical responders, the NYPD arrived and shot our son multiple times right in front of us."

Mayor's Response

Mayor Mamdani, who has viewed the body-camera footage, emphasized that Chakraborty has lived with schizophrenia for many years and said the priority should be mental-health treatment rather than criminal prosecution. He said,

The officers repeatedly told the man to drop the weapon as they attempted to de-escalate the situation before one officer fired several times.

"In viewing this footage, it is clear to me that what Jabez needs is mental health treatment, not criminal prosecution from a district attorney."

Mamdani also called for expanding non-police crisis-response options, saying, "A person experiencing a mental health episode does not always have to be served first or exclusively by a police officer. It is important for us to have all of the options available."

Investigation And Next Steps

The Queens district attorney's office is investigating the shooting; early reporting indicated prosecutors were considering whether to seek an indictment for attempted murder. The NYPD is conducting its own internal review. Both investigations are ongoing as the family and community seek clarity about the circumstances that led to the shooting and whether alternative responders would have changed the outcome.

Context

The case highlights a broader national debate over how to respond to mental-health crises. Advocates argue for increased crisis-intervention teams and medical-first responses to reduce the likelihood of violent confrontations, while police and public-safety officials stress that armed behavior still presents immediate danger that sometimes requires armed intervention.

Where Things Stand

Chakraborty remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition, according to the NYPD. The family, the mayor and law-enforcement agencies are awaiting the results of the DA's review and internal investigations. Community members and mental-health advocates are calling for clearer protocols and expanded non-police response options for people in crisis.