Mamdani urges prosecutors to drop charges against knife-wielding mentally ill man shot by cops

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called for the Queens district attorney not to prosecute Jabez Chakraborty, a knife-wielding mentally ill man who was shot by cops inside his home. The mayor expressed his concerns about the case during a press conference about expanding bus and bike lanes, stating that Chakraborty should not face charges and should instead receive the care he needs.

Chakraborty, who suffers from schizophrenia, was set to be arraigned on charges of attempted assault and criminal possession. However, his lawyers objected to him appearing virtually for the arraignment. After hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Jessica Earle-Gargan allowed the virtual arraignment to proceed, and Chakraborty was arraigned from his hospital bed, where he was recovering from being shot four times by police officers.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz released a statement regarding the case, emphasizing the need to consider the mental health component in such situations. She stated that prosecutors must follow the facts, evidence, and circumstances of the case and make decisions based on the expertise of mental health professionals. Katz also highlighted her commitment to keeping the borough safe while addressing the unique needs of this case.

Bodycam footage from the incident showed Chakraborty allegedly lunging at police with a knife, prompting the officers to shoot at him. A 911 call from a female relative requesting “involuntary transportation” for Chakraborty, who was exhibiting concerning behavior, was also released. The family member had asked for EMS only to respond, as previous interactions with the police had not been helpful.

Mayor Mamdani reiterated his stance that Chakraborty should not face criminal charges and emphasized the need for a different mental health response system in the city. He proposed creating a Department of Community Safety to focus on prevention, sustained care, and crisis response for individuals with mental health issues. This incident highlighted the importance of providing proper care and support for those in need of mental health treatment.

The mayor’s efforts to advocate for a more compassionate and effective approach to handling mental health crises are crucial in ensuring the well-being of individuals like Chakraborty. By prioritizing mental health care and support, the city can work towards creating a safer and more inclusive community for all its residents.