New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing strong criticism after defending a man accused of charging police officers with a knife during a mental health episode.

The controversy erupted following a police shooting involving 22-year-old Jabez Chakraborty in Queens. Authorities say Chakraborty allegedly rushed officers while holding a large kitchen knife, leading police to open fire.

The case quickly drew national attention after Mamdani publicly argued that the suspect should receive treatment instead of criminal prosecution.

Mayor Calls For Mental Health Treatment Instead Of Charges

During a news conference last week, Mamdani met with Chakraborty’s family and expressed sympathy for their situation. He emphasized that the incident should be viewed through the lens of mental health rather than strictly criminal conduct.

“We are talking about a family that is enduring the kind of pain that no family should and an individual that has lived with schizophrenia for many years,” Mamdani said during a news conference last week.

He also argued that police should not always be the first response in mental health crises.

“A person experiencing a mental health episode does not always have to be served first or exclusively by a police officer. It is important for us to have all of the options available,” he added.

The mayor’s comments reflected a broader policy stance he emphasized during his 2025 campaign, where he pledged to address New York City’s growing mental health crisis.

Police Say Family Requested Emergency Intervention

According to police officials, the situation began when Chakraborty’s family requested help through an involuntary removal order. Such requests require both police officers and emergency medical services to respond.

Authorities say officers arrived at the scene in Queens to assist in handling the mental health episode. During the encounter, the suspect allegedly approached officers while armed with a kitchen knife.

The officers ultimately used their weapons after the situation escalated.

Prosecutors Reviewing Possible Charges

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.

The Queens district attorney’s office is reviewing the case and examining whether charges should be filed against Chakraborty. Preliminary reports indicate prosecutors are considering an attempted murder indictment.

The legal review has intensified the debate surrounding Mamdani’s position on the incident.

Critics Accuse Mayor Of Undermining Police

Several commentators and political observers strongly criticized Mamdani’s response.

One of the most vocal critics was Joey Jones, a co-host on “The Big Weekend Show,” who argued the mayor’s comments unfairly questioned the actions of the responding officers.

“For Mamdani to take any position on this that would paint that police officer as doing anything but what you would teach in a course is malpractice for the position he holds, and I hope that someone holds him accountable for it,” said “The Big Weekend Show” co-host Joey Jones.

Others echoed the concern, arguing that police followed standard procedures during a dangerous confrontation.

Debate Over Police Use Of Force Continues

Commentator Guy Benson also weighed in, saying the available footage suggests officers attempted to de-escalate the situation before resorting to force.

He criticized Mamdani’s decision to visit the suspect in the hospital and express support for his family.

“To then go in solidarity with the knife-wielder who ignored those orders from the police and to show up in that hospital room like he’s the true victim in this rather than the police officer who finally fired his weapon in self-defense…

“It says everything about this mayor of this town, what he sees as his worldview, who he sees as victims and aggressors, and I don’t think the movie gets better from here,” he said.

Mental Health Policy At Center Of Political Dispute

The controversy highlights a broader policy debate in New York City about how to respond to mental health emergencies.

Supporters of Mamdani argue that expanding mental health services could prevent similar incidents in the future. Critics, however, warn that minimizing the danger faced by police officers could undermine public safety.

As the investigation continues, the shooting remains a flashpoint in the ongoing conversation about policing, mental health care, and the responsibilities of city leadership.