Queens Man Charged After Police Shooting During Mental Health Crisis

Family disputes police account, says Jabez Chakraborty needed medical help, not prosecution

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Jabez Chakraborty, a 22-year-old Queens resident, was charged with attempted assault and criminal possession of a weapon after an incident last month where he was shot by police responding to a 911 call from his family. Chakraborty's family says they had called for medical help, not police, and dispute the police account of the shooting, insisting Chakraborty was not a threat and needed mental health care, not prosecution.

Why it matters

The shooting and charges have reignited a debate over how police respond to mental health emergencies in New York City. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has joined Chakraborty's family in calling for him to receive care instead of prosecution, highlighting the challenges the city faces in reforming its approach to these types of incidents.

The details

According to prosecutors, on January 26th, Chakraborty's family called 911 saying he was throwing glass inside their home. When police arrived, body camera footage shows Chakraborty grabbing a kitchen knife and advancing toward the officers, despite a woman trying to hold him back. One officer then shot Chakraborty four times. Chakraborty was taken to the hospital and has remained there, shackled to his bed with police monitoring his family, according to his lawyers.

  • On January 26, Chakraborty's family called 911 for help.
  • On January 26, police responded and shot Chakraborty during the incident.
  • On February 13, Chakraborty was arraigned on charges of attempted assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

The players

Jabez Chakraborty

A 22-year-old Queens resident who suffers from schizophrenia and was shot by police during a mental health crisis.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who has joined Chakraborty's family in calling for him to receive mental health care instead of prosecution.

Julie Chakraborty

Jabez Chakraborty's mother, who said her son has been "unjustly charged" and that "locking him up will destroy his life."

Tyree White

The police officer who shot Jabez Chakraborty during the incident.

Melinda Katz

The Queens district attorney who is overseeing the investigation into the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“Hasn't he suffered enough? Locking him up will destroy his life. All we want is for him to be able to heal.”

— Julie Chakraborty, Jabez Chakraborty's mother

“We agree with Mayor Mamdani that Mr. Chakraborty should be receiving mental health care, not prosecution. He will carry the pain, suffering and lasting trauma of these injuries for the rest of his life.”

— Legal Aid Society, Lawyers representing Jabez Chakraborty

“Jabez's handcuffs should be removed and he should receive the care that he needs.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

What’s next

The Queens district attorney's office is continuing its investigation into the shooting, and a decision will be made on whether to pursue further charges against Jabez Chakraborty.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges New York City faces in responding effectively to mental health crises, with calls for a shift away from a law enforcement-led approach toward one focused on providing appropriate medical and social services. The case has become a test of the new mayor's commitment to reform the city's approach to these situations.