NYC Mayor Urges Dropping Charges Against Mentally Ill Man Shot by Cops

Mamdani calls for mental health treatment, not prosecution, after police shooting

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called on prosecutors to drop charges against Jabez Chakraborty, a 22-year-old man with schizophrenia who was shot four times by police after allegedly lunging at officers with a knife inside his family's home. Mamdani argued that Chakraborty should receive mental health treatment instead of facing criminal prosecution, and said "no family should have to endure this kind of thing."

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing debates around police response to mental health crises, and the need for alternative crisis intervention models that prioritize treatment over criminalization. Mamdani has proposed creating a new Department of Community Safety to build a mental health system focused on prevention and crisis response, rather than relying solely on law enforcement.

The details

According to authorities, Chakraborty allegedly grabbed a large kitchen knife and stepped toward an officer, prompting the officer to open fire and strike him four times. Bodycam footage showed the officer yelling "Put the knife down! Drop the knife!" before the shooting. Chakraborty was hospitalized in critical condition. Prosecutors had planned to arraign him on charges of attempted assault and criminal possession, but his lawyers objected to a virtual arraignment from his hospital bed.

  • On January 26, the police-involved shooting occurred at Chakraborty's family home in Briarwood, Queens.
  • On February 14, Chakraborty was scheduled to be arraigned from his hospital bed, but the proceeding hit a snag when his lawyers objected.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who has called for dropping charges against Chakraborty and providing him with mental health treatment instead.

Jabez Chakraborty

A 22-year-old man with schizophrenia who was shot four times by police after allegedly lunging at officers with a knife inside his family's home.

Melinda Katz

The Queens District Attorney who was planning to prosecute Chakraborty on charges of attempted assault and criminal possession.

Tyree White

The police officer who shot Chakraborty four times after he allegedly lunged at the officer with a knife.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Jabez should not be prosecuted by the Queen's district attorney. His handcuffs should be removed, and he should be receiving the care that moments like this.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (New York Post)

“As prosecutors, we are duty-bound to follow the facts, evidence and circumstances where they lead us, including in cases that have a mental health component. These decisions, however, must be thoughtful, deliberative and based on the expertise of mental health professionals.”

— Melinda Katz, Queens District Attorney (New York Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Chakraborty to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for alternative crisis intervention models that prioritize mental health treatment over criminalization, as well as the importance of thorough, deliberative decision-making by prosecutors in cases involving individuals with mental illness.