Queens Man Shot by NYPD During Mental Health Crisis Indicted

Indictment on assault charges prompts criticism from defense attorneys and mayor

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A 22-year-old Queens man, Jabez Chakraborty, has been indicted on attempted assault and weapon charges after being shot multiple times by police during what authorities described as a mental health crisis. The indictment has prompted criticism from Chakraborty's defense attorneys and Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about how law enforcement responds to individuals experiencing mental health crises, and whether such incidents should be criminalized rather than addressed through mental health support and de-escalation.

The details

According to the indictment, Chakraborty allegedly advanced toward an officer and changed his grip on a knife, winding his right arm back. The officer then shot Chakraborty multiple times.

  • The incident occurred in February 2026.

The players

Jabez Chakraborty

A 22-year-old man from Briarwood, Queens who was shot multiple times by police during a mental health crisis.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who has criticized the indictment of Chakraborty.

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What’s next

The case will proceed to trial, where Chakraborty's defense attorneys are expected to argue that the charges should be dropped due to his mental health condition at the time of the incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in how law enforcement responds to mental health crises, and the need for more comprehensive mental health support and de-escalation training to prevent such incidents from being criminalized.