Body Camera Footage Released in NYPD Shooting Incident
The NYPD has shared body camera footage from an incident where an officer fatally shot a man believed to be mentally ill, who allegedly attacked the officer with a knife. This event has spurred Mayor Zoran Mamdani to advocate for mental health treatment instead of criminal charges.
On January 26th in Queens, a 22-year-old man named Jabez Chakraborty reportedly lunged at responding officers while armed with a large kitchen knife. According to the NYPD, officers arrived at the scene following an emergency call from Chakraborty’s family.
The released video shows the officers entering Chakraborty’s living room, where he was seen wielding a knife. Throughout the video, officers can be heard repeatedly urging him to “put down the knife,” but he continued advancing toward them.
At one point, a woman appears to attempt to shield Chakraborty, but he persisted, holding onto the knife. The footage captures an NYPD officer repositioning by the front door, attempting to create distance.
Eventually, Chakraborty forced his way towards the officers while still armed. The officer then discharged his weapon, striking Chakraborty four times. He was immediately transported to a hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition.
The video also includes a 911 call from a witness stating that Chakraborty was mentally ill and had previously thrown a glass against the wall, requesting an ambulance rather than police intervention.
Currently, the Queens District Attorney’s Office is investigating the case, with early reports indicating possible attempted murder charges might be considered. However, Mayor Mamdani emphasized that Chakraborty warrants treatment for his mental health issues rather than facing legal action. He noted the family’s suffering and remarked on Chakraborty’s long-standing battle with schizophrenia.
Mamdani stressed the need for alternatives to police responses for mental health crises, suggesting there should be a broader range of options available. He pointed out that the incident underscores the necessity for a system focused on the well-being of individuals in distress—not just criminalization.
Following the incident, Chakraborty’s family expressed their discontent with the law enforcement’s response. They stated that instead of calming the situation, the officer escalated it by drawing his weapon and issuing commands, which resulted in Chakraborty being shot just minutes after police arrival.
The family has called for the Queens Prosecutor’s Office to dismiss charges against Chakraborty and urged the NYPD to release further body camera footage. They believe officers should not have responded under circumstances that warranted medical assistance.
In their statement, the family requested a system that allows for non-police responders in similar situations to prevent further trauma for families facing crises like theirs.
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, defended the officers’ actions, highlighting the unpredictability and danger of the situation. He stated that the officers acted with professionalism and restraint under challenging conditions.
