Newly released body camera footage from the New York City Police Department has added stark visual context to a case that sits at the intersection of mental health policy, policing, and political rhetoric.
The footage shows the moment an NYPD officer shot a 22-year-old man during a rapidly escalating encounter inside a Queens home, even as city leaders argue that such incidents should be handled through treatment rather than prosecution.
The man, identified by police as Jabez Chakraborty, was experiencing a mental health episode on Jan. 26 when his family called 911. Audio included in the NYPD release captures a civilian caller requesting an ambulance, not police, after Chakraborty allegedly threw a glass against a wall. Under New York protocols, however, a request for involuntary removal requires both EMS and police to respond.
The body camera footage begins after officers arrive inside the residence. Chakraborty is seen holding a large kitchen knife while officers repeatedly instruct him to put it down. According to police, he continues to advance toward one of the officers.
A woman in the room attempts to physically block him with her arm, but he moves forward regardless. The officer retreats into the vestibule and closes a door, creating a brief barrier. Moments later, Chakraborty pushes through the door and steps toward the officer while still holding the knife.
At that point, the officer fires four shots. Chakraborty was transported to the hospital and remains in intensive care in stable but critical condition. The Queens District Attorney’s Office is investigating the incident, with early indications that prosecutors are considering attempted murder charges based on the alleged advance toward officers with a weapon.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, however, has publicly opposed criminal prosecution in this case. After reviewing the footage, he said the incident demonstrated the need for mental health treatment rather than charges, noting that Chakraborty has lived with schizophrenia for years. Mamdani argued that people in mental health crises do not always need to be served first by police and reiterated calls for alternative response systems.
The family has echoed that position, accusing law enforcement of escalating the encounter unnecessarily. In a statement, they claimed Chakraborty had been calm minutes earlier and argued that drawing a firearm and issuing shouted commands worsened the situation. They have urged prosecutors to drop any charges and asked the NYPD to release additional footage.
Law enforcement representatives dispute that characterization. Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said the video shows officers entering a fast-moving and dangerous situation with little opportunity to de-escalate before being forced to act. He emphasized that the officers responded professionally under extreme circumstances.
