Boston Police Fatally Shoot Man During Mental Health Crisis

Authorities say Jacob Graves attacked first responders with a sword before being killed.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:51pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered sword blade reflecting a bright flash of light, conceptually illustrating the violent clash between a man in mental distress and the police officers who responded to the scene.The aftermath of a violent confrontation between a Boston man in crisis and first responders exposes the complex challenges of policing mental health emergencies.Boston Today

A 29-year-old Boston man named Jacob Graves was shot and killed by police over the weekend after he allegedly stabbed first responders with a sword during a mental health crisis. Graves had called 911 from his apartment claiming people with guns were trying to hurt him, leading to a police response. When officers arrived, Graves immediately opened his door and struck both a clinician and an officer, prompting the use of a Taser and then lethal force.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges police face when responding to mental health emergencies, as well as the need for improved crisis intervention training and resources to de-escalate such situations without the use of deadly force. It also comes amid heightened scrutiny of police shootings in Boston following a recent manslaughter charge against an officer.

The details

According to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, Graves attacked and injured both Boston Police and EMS responders 'with a sword-type weapon' near Northeastern University on Saturday night. Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said officers spoke with Graves for 35-45 minutes through his apartment door before he suddenly opened it and struck both a clinician and an officer, leading to the use of a Taser and then lethal force.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday night, April 5, 2026.
  • Officer Nicholas O'Malley shot and killed carjack suspect Stephenson King in mid-March 2026, about a month before this incident.

The players

Jacob Graves

A 29-year-old Boston man who was shot and killed by police after allegedly attacking first responders with a sword during a mental health crisis.

Michael Cox

The Boston Police Commissioner who provided details about the incident and said the use of lethal force appeared justified.

Kevin Hayden

The Suffolk County District Attorney whose office is investigating the fatal police shooting.

Nicholas O'Malley

A Boston police officer who was charged with manslaughter about a month before this incident for a separate fatal shooting.

Stephenson King

A carjack suspect who was shot and killed by Officer O'Malley in mid-March 2026.

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What they’re saying

“As they asked the individual to begin the process of maybe coming up and seeking the attention they needed, the individual immediately opened the door and struck both the clinician and an officer who was outside the door.”

— Michael Cox, Boston Police Commissioner

“I think it's going to be quite some time before we're going to be able to have a full picture of exactly what happened here, but our first responders, all of them, I think responded to the scene the best they can.”

— Kevin Hayden, Suffolk County District Attorney

What’s next

The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office is continuing its investigation into the fatal police shooting of Jacob Graves.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for improved crisis intervention training and resources to help police de-escalate mental health emergencies without resorting to lethal force. It also comes amid heightened scrutiny of police shootings in Boston, raising further questions about use-of-force policies and accountability.