Queens DA Charges Man Shot by NYPD, Defying Mayor Mamdani’s Plea

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has taken significant legal action against Jabez Chakraborty, a 22-year-old man reportedly living with schizophrenia. Charges were filed including attempted assault in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. This decision contrasts with public appeals from Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who urged against prosecuting Chakraborty.

Details of the Incident

The charges stem from a startling January 26 incident in Chakraborty’s home in Jamaica, Queens. Family members called 911 to request an ambulance, describing Chakraborty as having a mental health crisis. They specifically noted he was unarmed and not violent.

Escalation Leading to Shooting

• Upon police arrival, Chakraborty reportedly picked up a kitchen knife.
• Body camera footage shows officers firing four shots within 30 seconds of entering the residence, critically injuring him.

Court Proceedings

During a virtual arraignment from Jamaica Hospital, where he is receiving treatment for serious injuries, Chakraborty pleaded not guilty. He appeared emotionally distressed, frequently crying throughout the proceedings.

Judge Jessica Earle-Gargan decided against remanding Chakraborty to custody, despite the prosecution’s characterization of him as violent due to past incidents with family and neighbors. She set bail at $50,000, acknowledging the complexities of the case and criticizing the treatment of mental health issues in the system.

Response from Officials

After the arraignment, DA Katz defended her choice to file charges. She raised concerns about public safety, questioning what would happen if Chakraborty was not prosecuted. Meanwhile, a family statement expressed deep distress over the situation, emphasizing the trauma caused by the police intervention.

Mayor’s Position

Mayor Mamdani reiterated his call for no charges against Chakraborty. He argued that the focus should be on providing care and support rather than legal repercussions. His stance aligns with his campaign commitment to reform mental health emergency responses, reducing police involvement.

Critique of Emergency Response

This incident has heightened scrutiny on how the city manages mental health crises. Despite the existence of the B-HEARD program—meant to deploy mental health professionals instead of police—data indicates that 86% of mental health calls still involve the NYPD.

The situation has drawn parallels to other tragic outcomes, prompting a renewed discussion about the appropriate first response for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

Current Status of Jabez Chakraborty

Chakraborty remains hospitalized with severe injuries that have left him unable to stand or walk. His family continues to advocate for his well-being, calling for medical care over imprisonment.