NYC Mayor Sides with Knife-Wielding Suspect Over Cops in Shooting

Mamdani says mentally ill man should get treatment, not prosecution, despite alleged attack on officers

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing backlash after saying the Queens District Attorney should not prosecute a mentally ill man who was shot by police after allegedly charging officers with a large kitchen knife. Mamdani argued the 22-year-old suspect, Jabez Chakraborty, needs mental health treatment instead of criminal prosecution, even as prosecutors consider potential attempted-murder charges.

Why it matters

The mayor's remarks reignite the debate over how law enforcement should respond to mental health crises, with Mamdani renewing calls for alternatives to police in such emergencies - a position critics say puts officers and the public at greater risk.

The details

Police say Chakraborty was holding a knife, ignored repeated commands to drop it, and rushed toward officers before one officer opened fire. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation by isolating Chakraborty behind a glass door and repeatedly ordering him to drop the weapon, but he opened the door and advanced on them with the knife extended, forcing them to respond.

  • On January 26, police responded to a 911 call at a home in Briarwood, Queens.
  • Chakraborty was shot by police on January 26 and remains in critical but stable condition at a hospital.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who is facing backlash for saying the mentally ill suspect should receive treatment instead of prosecution.

Jabez Chakraborty

A 22-year-old man who was shot by police after allegedly charging officers with a large kitchen knife. Chakraborty has lived with schizophrenia for years.

New York City Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the 911 call and shot Chakraborty after he allegedly charged at officers with a knife.

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What they’re saying

“In viewing this footage, it is clear to me that what Jabez needs is mental health treatment, not criminal prosecution.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (wabcradio.com)

What’s next

Prosecutors are reportedly considering potential attempted-murder charges against Chakraborty, while the mayor's office has renewed calls for alternatives to police response in mental health emergencies.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing debate over how law enforcement should handle mental health crises, with the mayor arguing the suspect needs treatment rather than prosecution, even as critics warn that such an approach could put officers and the public at greater risk.