Mentally Ill Queens Man Shot by Police Indicted for Attempted Assault

Jabez Chakraborty, a 22-year-old schizophrenic, was arraigned from his hospital bed on charges that also include weapon possession.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A mentally ill Queens man who was shot by police after he advanced on officers wielding a large kitchen knife has been charged for attempted assault, despite pleas from the mayor for the district attorney's office to let the suspect off the hook. Jabez Chakraborty, a 22-year-old diagnosed schizophrenic, was arraigned from his hospital bed on charges that also include weapon possession.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing mental health crises and the use of force by police, as well as the complex legal and ethical considerations around prosecuting individuals with mental illness who commit crimes.

The details

Chakraborty was shot on Jan. 26 inside his family's Briarwood home by one of two cops who responded to a 911 call from a relative who said he was acting up and throwing glass. When the officers arrived, Chakraborty grabbed a kitchen knife and moved toward them. One officer retreated into a vestibule and slammed shut a glass-paneled door, but Chakraborty refused commands to drop the knife and instead opened the door and rushed toward the officer, who then shot him four times, leaving Chakraborty in critical condition.

  • Chakraborty was shot on January 26, 2026 inside his family's home.
  • Chakraborty was arraigned from his hospital bed on February 13, 2026.

The players

Jabez Chakraborty

A 22-year-old Queens resident diagnosed with schizophrenia who was shot by police after advancing on them with a knife.

Melinda Katz

The Queens District Attorney who decided to indict Chakraborty on charges of attempted assault and weapon possession.

Tyree White

The police officer who shot Chakraborty four times after he refused to drop the knife and rushed toward the officer.

Fahd Ahmed

The director of the civil rights advocacy group Desis Rising up and Moving, who is representing Chakraborty's family.

Mayor Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who visited Chakraborty in the hospital and called for the district attorney to not prosecute him, arguing he needs mental health care, not criminal prosecution.

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What they’re saying

“The defendant tried to attack a police officer while holding a large knife, ignored repeated commands to drop the weapon and then forcibly pushed through the door the officer was using as a shield to protect himself.”

— Melinda Katz, Queens District Attorney (nydailynews.com)

“No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain. What they need right now is care, dignity and support.”

— Mayor Mamdani (nydailynews.com)

“Jabez should not be prosecuted by the Queens district attorney. His handcuffs should be removed, and he should be receiving the care that he needs. And moments like this they lay bare what so many New Yorkers already know, which is that our city must build a mental health response that is rooted in prevention, in compassion and in crisis care.”

— Mayor Mamdani (nydailynews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Jabez Chakraborty out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing mental health crises and the use of force by police, as well as the complex legal and ethical considerations around prosecuting individuals with mental illness who commit crimes. It underscores the need for a more compassionate and comprehensive approach to mental health response in New York City.