Queens Man Shot by NYPD During Mental Health Call Charged with Attempted Assault

Family, advocates, and mayor object to charges against 22-year-old with no criminal record

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A 22-year-old Queens man named Jabez Chakraborty, who struggles with schizophrenia, was shot multiple times by police officers responding to a mental health call at his home. Chakraborty is now facing charges of first-degree attempted assault, a felony, despite his family, advocates, and the mayor objecting to the charges, arguing he needed support and treatment, not prosecution.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in how law enforcement responds to mental health crises, with concerns that the presence of police can often escalate situations rather than provide the appropriate care and support. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's approach to individuals experiencing mental health issues.

The details

According to police, officers responded to a 911 call at Chakraborty's home in Jamaica, Queens on January 26. His mother was heard on the call requesting involuntary assistance to have her son taken to the hospital for medical care. When officers arrived, Chakraborty allegedly grabbed a knife and repeatedly advanced towards them. NYPD body camera footage shows Chakraborty pointing the knife at officers and going past a door they had closed, before they fired four shots, striking him multiple times. Chakraborty is now recovering from his injuries in the ICU, handcuffed to his hospital bed.

  • On January 26, police responded to a 911 call at Chakraborty's home in Jamaica, Queens.
  • Chakraborty was arraigned from his hospital bed on February 13.

The players

Jabez Chakraborty

A 22-year-old Queens resident who struggles with schizophrenia and has no criminal record.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, who has objected to the charges against Chakraborty and called for the city to build a mental health response system rooted in prevention and compassion.

Melinda Katz

The Queens District Attorney, who stated that as prosecutors, they must follow the facts, evidence and circumstances where they lead, including in cases with a mental health component.

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What they’re saying

“Now Jabez is recovering from multiple surgeries and gunshots, handcuffed to the hospital bed.”

— Chakraborty's mother

“The presence of the police is sort of like what escalated things, and the fact that the Queens DA continues to want to prosecute this is absurd. What he needed then was support and treatment. He didn't get it.”

— Fahd Ahmed, with the organization Desis Rising Up and Moving

“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.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

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 how law enforcement responds to mental health crises, with concerns that the presence of police can often escalate situations rather than provide the appropriate care and support. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's approach to individuals experiencing mental health issues and the need for a more compassionate, prevention-focused mental health response system.