A knife-wielding schizophrenic charged New York cops despite 8+ drop commands, yet the mayor demands his release from indictment—exposing a dangerous rift between compassion and cop safety.
Story Snapshot
- NYPD shot 22-year-old Jabez Chakraborty four times after he lunged at family and advanced on officers with a kitchen knife during a mental health call.
- Grand jury indicted him February 13, 2026, for attempted assault despite severe injuries and schizophrenia diagnosis.
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited Chakraborty, called for dropped charges and mental health treatment over prosecution.
- Bodycam footage shows clear non-compliance; family and mayor criticize police protocol amid public safety concerns.
Incident Unfolds in Briarwood Home
On January 26, 2026, Jabez Chakraborty’s sister dialed 911 in Briarwood, Queens, requesting involuntary mental health transport. Chakraborty, diagnosed with schizophrenia two years prior, had lunged at family members with a kitchen knife. NYPD officers entered the residence. Chakraborty grabbed the blade, changed his grip, and pushed through a door toward them. Officers issued over eight commands to drop it. One officer fired four shots, striking his abdomen, chest, and groin.
Chakraborty’s Hospitalization and Indictment
Paramedics rushed Chakraborty to Jamaica Hospital’s ICU. He required surgeries, a ventilator, and remained bedbound on tubes through early February. Bodycam footage released February 4 captured the advance and commands. On February 13, a grand jury indicted him for first-degree attempted assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Queens DA Melinda Katz set $50,000 bail. Chakraborty sobbed in his hospital bed as charges were read. The judge denied a family protection order.
Mayor Mamdani’s Intervention Sparks Debate
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, elected in 2025 on mental health reform, initially praised first responders on social media. After meeting the family, he shifted. Mamdani visited Chakraborty, demanded prosecutors drop charges, remove handcuffs, and prioritize treatment. He argued prosecution ignores mental illness realities. DA Katz proceeded independently, citing evidence of attack attempts and ignored commands. This clash highlights tensions in NYC’s police-heavy mental health responses.
Stakeholders Clash Over Accountability
Chakraborty’s family, who called 911 for help, now labels NYPD actions “ICE-like” overreactions. Defense attorneys deem charges “inhumane” given his shredded body and condition. NYPD defends officers’ protocol adherence, including de-escalation attempts and the 21-foot edged-weapon rule. Mamdani’s progressive base cheers reform; police unions and conservatives blast him for defending an attacker. Common sense demands accountability for threats, not excuses via illness—facts show deliberate advance.
Queens DA Katz upholds public safety, indicting based on bodycam proof. This power dynamic underscores DA independence from mayoral pleas. Broader implications loom for NYC’s 25% police-involved mental calls and underfunded alternatives like B-HEARD pilots.
Sources:
Politico New York Playbook PM on Mamdani’s tone shift.
Queens man shot by NYPD during mental health call charged.
NYC Mayor Mamdani urges dropping attempted murder charges in psychotic episode case.
