NYPD Officer Shoots Knife-Wielding Man During Mental Health Call

Mayor Mamdani calls for mental health treatment, not criminal charges

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Bodycam footage released by the New York City Police Department shows an officer shooting Jabez Chakraborty, 22, during a mental health episode after he allegedly charged at officers with a large kitchen knife. The incident is being investigated by the Queens District Attorney's office, with preliminary reports suggesting prosecutors are looking at potentially seeking an indictment for attempted murder. However, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Chakraborty should receive mental health treatment and not face criminal charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around how law enforcement should respond to mental health crises, with calls for more specialized crisis intervention teams and alternative emergency response options beyond just armed police officers. It also raises questions about the use of force by police and whether de-escalation tactics are being properly employed in these types of situations.

The details

According to the NYPD, officers responded to an emergency call from Chakraborty's family in Queens on January 26. Bodycam footage shows Chakraborty, who was allegedly brandishing a large kitchen knife, charging at the officers despite their repeated orders to 'put the knife down.' A woman is seen trying to block Chakraborty, but he continued to move toward the officer, who then discharged his weapon, hitting Chakraborty four times. Chakraborty remains in intensive care in stable but critical condition.

  • The incident occurred on January 26, 2026.
  • The NYPD released the bodycam footage on February 5, 2026.

The players

Jabez Chakraborty

A 22-year-old man who was experiencing a mental health episode and allegedly charged at police officers with a large kitchen knife.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, who called for Chakraborty to receive mental health treatment instead of facing criminal charges.

Patrick Hendry

The president of the Police Benevolent Association, who said the bodycam footage 'makes it clear that these police officers walked into an unpredictable, fast-moving and dangerous situation.'

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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 from a district attorney, and we are talking about a family that is enduring the kind of pain that no family should and an individual that has lived with schizophrenia for many years.”

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

“Rather than de-escalate the situation, the officer instead further escalated by drawing his gun and yelling orders at Jabez. Within a minute of NYPD's arrival, Jabez was shot multiple times and almost killed, while he was calmly eating food just minutes earlier.”

— Chakraborty Family (foxnews.com)

“The body camera footage makes it clear that these police officers walked into an unpredictable, fast-moving and dangerous situation. There was no time or space for them to de-escalate the situation before they were forced to act. They did their job professionally and with restraint under terrible circumstances.”

— Patrick Hendry, President, Police Benevolent Association (foxnews.com)

What’s next

The Queens District Attorney's office is investigating the incident, with preliminary reports suggesting prosecutors are looking at potentially seeking an indictment for attempted murder against Chakraborty. Mayor Mamdani has called for Chakraborty to receive mental health treatment instead of facing criminal charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in how law enforcement responds to mental health crises, with calls for more specialized crisis intervention teams and alternative emergency response options beyond just armed police officers. It also raises broader questions about the use of force by police and the need for improved de-escalation tactics, especially when dealing with individuals experiencing mental health episodes.