NYC Mayor Visits Man Who Charged Cops With Knife, Faces Backlash

Mamdani suggests Jabez Chakraborty needs mental health treatment, not criminal prosecution

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism for visiting Jabez Chakraborty, a 22-year-old man with schizophrenia who was shot by police after charging at an officer with a knife. Mamdani suggested Chakraborty should receive mental health treatment instead of criminal prosecution, sparking backlash from some who say the mayor's stance will discourage officers from responding to such incidents.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate over how law enforcement should handle individuals experiencing mental health crises, with some arguing that specialized mental health response teams are needed to de-escalate situations without the use of force.

The details

According to police, officers responded to an emergency call about a person experiencing a mental health episode at Chakraborty's Queens home on January 26. Body camera footage shows Chakraborty wielding a knife and charging at Officer Tyree White, who then shot Chakraborty. Chakraborty's relatives and critics have condemned the shooting, arguing that officers are often too quick to use force in such situations.

  • On January 26, police responded to a call about a mental health episode at Chakraborty's home.
  • On February 5, Mayor Mamdani visited Chakraborty in the hospital.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who visited Chakraborty and suggested he receive mental health treatment instead of criminal prosecution.

Jabez Chakraborty

A 22-year-old man with schizophrenia who was shot by police after charging at an officer with a knife.

Tyree White

The police officer who shot Chakraborty after he charged at him with a knife.

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What they’re saying

“Jabez needs mental health treatment, not criminal prosecution by a district attorney.”

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

“I'm sure if someone is going through any mental health crisis and they see an officer with a gun pointing at them, that that also is not necessarily going to de-escalate any situation that is happening.”

— Simran Thind, Spokesperson for Chakraborty's family (WABC)

What’s next

The NYPD's Force Investigation Division is investigating the shooting of Chakraborty.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in responding to mental health crises, and the need for specialized crisis response teams and improved training to de-escalate such situations without the use of force.