NYC Mayor's Controversial Stance on Police Shooting Case
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani finds himself at the center of a heated debate after publicly urging prosecutors not to pursue charges against a mentally ill man who allegedly charged police officers with a knife, leading to a shooting incident that has divided public opinion.
The incident occurred on January 26 in Briarwood, Queens, when 22-year-old Jabez Chakraborty's family called 911 reporting a domestic disturbance. According to NYPD officials, Chakraborty was throwing glass inside the family home and wielding a large kitchen knife when officers arrived at the Parsons Boulevard residence.
Police Response and Shooting
Body camera footage reveals officers attempting to de-escalate the situation, repeatedly ordering Chakraborty to drop his weapon. Police tried to isolate him in the living room by closing a glass door, but their efforts failed when he forced the door open and rushed at officers with the knife extended.
One officer fired multiple shots, striking Chakraborty at least four times. Officers immediately provided first aid and attempted to stop the bleeding before transporting him to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition.
Family Disputes Official Account
The Chakraborty family strongly disputes the police response, stating they specifically requested medical assistance, not law enforcement intervention.
"We called 911 for an ambulance to provide medical attention for our son, who was in emotional distress," the family said in a statement. "We did not call the police. Instead of medical responders, the NYPD arrived and shot our son multiple times right in front of us."
Mayor's Controversial Position
Mayor Mamdani, who reviewed the body camera footage, publicly urged against criminal prosecution during a Tuesday news conference. He emphasized that Chakraborty has lived with schizophrenia for years and should receive mental health treatment rather than face criminal charges.
"In viewing this footage, it is clear to me that what Jabez needs is mental health treatment, not criminal prosecution from a district attorney," Mamdani declared. "We are talking about a family that is enduring the kind of pain that no family should."
The mayor also visited the injured man, a gesture that has drawn both praise and criticism from different quarters of the city's political landscape.
Political Fallout
Mamdani's first month as mayor has been marked by several controversial decisions and statements. His initial response to the shooting, in which he thanked NYPD officers for putting themselves in harm's way, drew sharp criticism from the Chakraborty family, who accused him of siding with officers they believe nearly killed their son.
The family also alleged that police blocked them from seeing Chakraborty for more than 24 hours following the incident, adding another layer of controversy to an already complex case.
Broader Implications
The case has reignited citywide debates over police use of force, mental health response protocols, and prosecutorial discretion. Mamdani has advocated for broader alternatives involving medical and behavioral health professionals, arguing that police should not always be the default response in mental health crises.
The Queens district attorney's office continues investigating the shooting, with preliminary reports indicating prosecutors are considering whether to pursue attempted murder charges related to the incident.
This developing story highlights the ongoing challenges American cities face in balancing public safety, mental health advocacy, and police accountability in an increasingly polarized political environment.