Mamdani supports knife-wielding suspect who approached police aggressively

Queens Police Shooting Incident

In Queens, New York, a young man named Jabez Chakraborty lost his life after police responded to a call from his family about his mental state.

Body camera footage shows that, upon entering the home on January 26, officers encountered aggressive behavior when Chakraborty rushed at them wielding a large kitchen knife. NYPD Officer Tyree White repeatedly urged Chakraborty to “put down the knife,” but he refused to comply, which led to White firing his weapon. Initially, Chakraborty was injured but survived the shooting, and police later found a knife at the scene.

The family later contended that their intention was to call for an ambulance, not the police.

In a separate video clip, when an officer asked if she had made the call, the woman confirmed and even invited the officers inside. She acknowledged asking for police help.

Initially, Mayor Zoran Mamdani expressed gratitude towards first responders on social media, stating that “we are grateful to our first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.” However, after visiting Chakraborty and his family in the hospital, he shifted his focus. “Jabez needs mental health treatment, not criminal prosecution by the district attorney,” Mamdani said, emphasizing that no family should experience such pain.

Critics have accused Mamdani of engaging in “dangerous political theater,” alleging that he downplays the incident’s seriousness while asserting Chakraborty’s lack of criminal intent due to mental health issues.

As of now, no criminal charges seem to have been filed regarding the event. There’s been a request for information about Officer White’s current status from the NYPD.

Mamdani is also exploring ways to implement community safety bureaus. The goal is to collaborate with law enforcement to better respond to emergency calls.