A New York City family faces every parent’s nightmare after police shot their 22-year-old son with schizophrenia during a mental health crisis they called 911 to help resolve.
Police Body Camera Reveals Tense Confrontation
Jabez Chakraborty was shot by officers inside his family home on January 26 after his relatives called for medical assistance when he began breaking glass during a mental health episode. Police body camera footage shows Chakraborty holding a large kitchen knife while family members attempted to intervene. Officers repeatedly commanded him to drop the weapon before at least one officer fired multiple shots. Chakraborty remains hospitalized following the incident.
Mamdani just went to visit Jabez Chakraborty in the hospital today
Here is the bodycam of him charging NYPD with a knife, which resulted in an officer discharging his weapon to protect himself https://t.co/rBo7DZ4AYK
— Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec) February 4, 2026
The Chakraborty family expressed frustration with the police response and Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s initial praise of first responders. In their statement, the family emphasized they called 911 requesting an ambulance for medical attention, not police intervention. They argue their son needed mental health treatment, not law enforcement action, during his emotional distress.
Mayor Proposes Mental Health Reform Plan
Following criticism and after meeting with the family, Mayor Mamdani announced plans to accelerate his Department of Community Safety initiative. The proposal includes subway greeters, expanded social worker programs, and comprehensive mental health resources. Under this plan, police would take reduced roles in mental health crisis responses, with behavioral specialists and peer experts leading interventions.
It's pretty simple, he just loves criminals and hates cops. https://t.co/vUTqs0LGDE
— Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (@VickieforNYC) February 4, 2026
Mamdani acknowledged that police would still respond to violent situations involving weapons but emphasized the need for specialized mental health professionals in crisis intervention. The mayor confirmed his administration is investigating family allegations that officers asked inappropriate immigration questions and treated them poorly after the shooting.
Constitutional Concerns and Family Rights
This incident raises important questions about constitutional protections and family rights during mental health emergencies. The case highlights tensions between public safety concerns and individual liberties when citizens seek medical help for family members. The Chakraborty family’s experience demonstrates how emergency response protocols can conflict with families’ expectations when they request medical assistance rather than law enforcement intervention during mental health crises.