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NYPD Releases Bodycam Footage of Officer Shooting Mentally Ill Man in Queens

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Police Shoot Man During Mental Health Call in Queens

The New York City Police Department released body camera footage showing an officer shooting Jabez Chakraborty, 22, in Queens on January 26. Officers had responded to an emergency call from Chakraborty's family, reporting that he was experiencing a mental health episode.

Event Details from Footage

  • Chakraborty was reportedly holding a large kitchen knife and moving towards officers.
  • Footage shows an officer entering the home where Chakraborty was present with the knife.
  • Officers are heard instructing Chakraborty to "put the knife down."
  • A woman attempted to intervene physically.
  • The officer repositioned and closed a door, which Chakraborty then pushed through, advancing with the knife.
  • The officer discharged his weapon, hitting Chakraborty four times.
  • Chakraborty was transported to the hospital, where he is in stable but critical condition.

911 Call Context

The body camera footage includes audio from a 911 call by a civilian witness. The caller reported Chakraborty was having a mental health episode, had thrown a glass, and requested EMS for an involuntary hospital transport. Police indicated that involuntary removal requests require both police and EMS response.

Official Responses and Statements

  • Queens District Attorney’s Office: Investigating the incident, with preliminary reports suggesting a potential indictment for attempted murder.

  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani:

    "Chakraborty should receive mental health treatment, not criminal prosecution, citing his long history with schizophrenia. He emphasized that mental health episodes do not always require police intervention."

  • Chakraborty’s Family: Released a statement accusing law enforcement of escalating the situation unnecessarily. They claimed the officer drew a gun and yelled orders, leading to the shooting within a minute. They requested the DA's office to drop charges and for additional body camera footage. The family also advocated for non-police responders for mental health calls.

  • Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry: Stated that the footage shows officers faced an unpredictable and dangerous situation with no time to de-escalate before acting. He maintained that officers performed professionally and with restraint.