New York City Mayor Opposes Prosecuting Mentally Ill Man Shot by Police in Queens
QUEENS, N.Y. — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly opposed prosecuting Jabez Chakraborty, a 22-year-old man who was shot by police after allegedly charging at officers with a kitchen knife in Queens. The incident, which occurred on January 26, has sparked debate over how law enforcement and the justice system should handle encounters involving individuals with mental illness.
According to the New York City official reports, Chakraborty was reportedly throwing glass inside his home on Parsons Boulevard in the Briarwood neighborhood when family members called 911 seeking help. When officers arrived, they encountered Chakraborty holding a large kitchen knife. The officers repeatedly instructed him to drop the weapon as they attempted to de-escalate the situation. Despite these efforts, Chakraborty charged at the officers, prompting one to fire multiple shots, striking him. He was rushed to a hospital and remains in critical condition.
Mayor Mamdani emphasized that Chakraborty’s actions stem from mental health challenges and urged the Queens District Attorney not to pursue criminal charges. “This is a clear case where the individual needs mental health treatment, not prosecution,” Mamdani said in a statement. His stance aligns with growing calls from mental health advocates and some public officials to reform how law enforcement responds to crises involving the mentally ill.
The New York Police Department’s response to such incidents has been under scrutiny in recent years, with advocates pushing for increased training on mental health crises and expanded use of specialized crisis intervention teams. The NYPD Shield program, for instance, provides officers with resources to better handle these complex situations, though critics argue more systemic changes are necessary.
Experts note that encounters between police and individuals experiencing mental health episodes can escalate quickly, often with tragic consequences. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends integrating mental health professionals into emergency response teams to reduce the risk of violence and improve outcomes.
Chakraborty’s family had initially called for assistance after he began throwing glass inside their home, underscoring the urgent need for compassionate intervention. The mayor’s call to prioritize treatment over prosecution reflects a broader national conversation about balancing public safety with mental health care.
As the case unfolds, the Queens District Attorney’s office has yet to announce whether charges will be filed. Meanwhile, Mayor Mamdani’s position highlights the challenges cities face in addressing mental illness within the criminal justice system and the importance of developing alternatives to incarceration.
For further information on mental health crisis intervention and law enforcement policies, resources are available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local government agencies.
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