NYC Family Condemns Police Response in Mental Health Shooting
NYPD Releases Body Camera Footage Following Controversial Shooting in Queens
New York City is once again under scrutiny after the release of body camera footage from a recent incident involving the New York Police Department (NYPD) and a man with schizophrenia. The footage, which has sparked widespread concern, captures the events leading up to the shooting of Jabez Chakraborty, 22, who was armed with a knife during an encounter with police in Jamaica, Queens.
The incident occurred on January 26, 2026, when Chakraborty began breaking glass at his home. His family called 911, seeking help for what they described as a medical emergency rather than a law enforcement situation. According to the footage, Chakraborty was holding a large kitchen knife while a family member attempted to stop him from approaching the officers. The officers repeatedly instructed him to drop the knife, and one officer even closed a door in an attempt to keep him at bay. At least one officer then fired multiple shots, resulting in Chakraborty being hospitalized.
The Chakraborty family has since expressed frustration over the police response, criticizing both the initial actions taken by the NYPD and the mayor’s previous praise of the first responders. In a statement, the family emphasized that their primary request was for medical assistance, not law enforcement intervention. “We called 911 for an ambulance to provide medical attention for our son, who was in emotional distress. We did not call the police,” the family said.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the growing concerns on Tuesday, promising to accelerate his plan to reform how the city responds to individuals in mental health crises. During a meeting with the Chakraborty family and while viewing the released footage, Mamdani acknowledged the need for a different approach. “What Jabez needs is mental health treatment,” he stated, highlighting the importance of addressing the underlying issues that led to the tragic incident.
Mamdani’s proposal includes the creation of a Department of Community Safety, which would focus on reducing the role of police in mental health situations. The plan involves deploying subway greeters, social workers, and mental health professionals to assist in crisis interventions. The goal is to shift responsibility away from the NYPD and toward community-based support systems.
When asked about specific scenarios like the one involving Chakraborty, where there is a risk of violence or the presence of a weapon, Mamdani clarified that police would still be involved in such cases. “These options include teams of behavioral specialists, peer experts, and of course, police, so they can intervene when the need arises,” he explained. However, he admitted that the details of how to handle complex situations are still being finalized by his team.
In addition, the mayor confirmed that the family’s allegations regarding immigration-related questions and poor treatment following the shooting are under investigation. This adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing dialogue about police conduct and the need for systemic change.
As the city grapples with these developments, the incident involving Jabez Chakraborty serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in how mental health crises are managed. The conversation continues to evolve, with calls for more compassionate and effective responses to those in need of care rather than punishment.
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