NYPD Officer Shoots Mentally Ill Man in Queens Amid Calls for Treatment Over Prosecution
QUEENS, N.Y. — Newly released body camera footage from the New York City Police Department captures the harrowing moment an officer shot 22-year-old Jabez Chakraborty during a mental health episode in a Queens apartment on January 26. The video shows Chakraborty brandishing a large kitchen knife and charging at officers who responded to an emergency call from his family.
The footage, made public on February 4, reveals officers attempting to de-escalate the situation, repeatedly ordering Chakraborty to drop the weapon. Despite their efforts, the man advanced toward the officers, prompting one to discharge his firearm. Chakraborty was wounded but survived the encounter.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has since called for a shift in how such incidents are handled, urging that Chakraborty receive mental health treatment rather than face criminal charges. Mamdani emphasized the need for compassionate responses to individuals experiencing crises, aligning with broader calls from mental health advocates and officials nationwide.
The NYPD’s release of the bodycam footage follows a growing trend of transparency in law enforcement’s use of force, especially in cases involving vulnerable populations. According to the City of New York’s official site, officers are trained in crisis intervention techniques, but confrontations can escalate rapidly when weapons are involved.
This incident underscores the challenges police face when responding to mental health emergencies. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration highlights that law enforcement officers often serve as first responders to such crises, a role that can be fraught with risk for all parties.
Advocates argue for increased funding and integration of mental health professionals in emergency response teams to reduce reliance on armed officers in these situations. The National Institute of Mental Health supports initiatives that promote alternatives to traditional policing in mental health emergencies.
Meanwhile, the NYPD continues to review the incident as part of its standard procedures. The department’s commitment to transparency is reflected in its public release of body camera footage, a tool that has become crucial in fostering community trust and accountability. The NYPD Civilian Complaint Review Board also plays a role in investigating use-of-force incidents to ensure compliance with departmental policies.
As the conversation around policing and mental health evolves, the case of Jabez Chakraborty serves as a poignant example of the urgent need for systemic changes. Mayor Mamdani’s call for treatment over prosecution highlights a growing recognition that mental illness requires a health-centered approach rather than a purely criminal justice response.
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