NYPD Shooting of NYC Man with Mental Illness Sparks Calls for Reform

Mayor Mamdani says case highlights need for new approach to mental health calls

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:47pm

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The NYPD has released video of the recent police shooting of 22-year-old Jabez Chakraborty, who had a history of mental illness. The incident has prompted Mayor Zohran Mamdani to renew his campaign promise to create a new Department of Community Safety that would send mental health professionals, not just police, to respond to such calls.

Why it matters

The shooting of Chakraborty, who was wielding a knife when police arrived at his family's home, underscores the ongoing debate over how law enforcement should handle mental health crises. Mamdani argues that a police-led response is often not the best approach, and that specialized teams of mental health professionals are needed to de-escalate these situations.

The details

The video shows officers entering Chakraborty's home after his parents called 911 asking for an involuntary removal of their son, who was throwing glass against the wall. Chakraborty then grabbed a knife from the kitchen, and though a family member tried to stop him, he went after the officers. Police closed a glass door to stop him, but he came through, at which point one officer fired, critically injuring Chakraborty.

  • The incident occurred on January 26, 2026 inside Chakraborty's family home in the Briarwood section of Queens.
  • The NYPD released the video of the shooting on February 4, 2026.

The players

Jabez Chakraborty

A 22-year-old man with a history of mental illness who was shot by police after grabbing a knife in his family's home.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who has promised to create a new Department of Community Safety to respond to mental health calls, rather than relying solely on police.

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What they’re saying

“No family should have to endure this kind of pain. Jabez needs mental health treatment, not criminal prosecution by a district attorney, and that is why I proposed creating a Department of Community Safety.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (CBS News New York)

“A person experiencing a mental health episode does not always have to be served first or exclusively by a police officer.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (CBS News New York)

What’s next

Mayor Mamdani said he is still in the process of determining when police officers will be included in the response to mental health calls, in addition to mental health professionals.

The takeaway

This shooting highlights the need for a new approach to handling mental health crises, where specialized teams of mental health professionals, not just police, are sent to respond. Mayor Mamdani's proposed Department of Community Safety aims to provide a more appropriate and compassionate response to these situations.