“DROP THE CHARGES”: Mayor Mamdani Demands Immunity for Man Who Attacked NYPD 

A major controversy has erupted in New York City following a bold demand by Mayor Zohran Mamdani to drop all charges against Jabez Chakraborty, the 22-year-old man who was shot by police in January 2026 after allegedly charging at officers with a kitchen knife. The incident has sparked fierce debate over how to handle mental health crises and the relationship between law enforcement and communities in distress.

Chakraborty, who reportedly suffers from schizophrenia, was involved in a violent confrontation with NYPD officers responding to a call at a Queens home. The bodycam footage from the scene shows Chakraborty bursting through a door and charging at officers with a large knife, forcing them to open fire in self-defense. Chakraborty was hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds but survived the encounter.

In a move that has enraged many, Mayor Mamdani visited Chakraborty in the hospital and called the incident an example of a “broken system.” The Mayor argued that no family should endure such trauma and framed the situation as a reflection of systemic failures, saying that Chakraborty should be treated with mental health care, not criminal punishment.

Mamdani vs. the Queens DA 🏛️📉

Mamdani has called on Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz to drop all charges against Chakraborty, stating that he should receive mental health treatment instead of facing prosecution. His plea for immunity comes with the assertion that Chakraborty’s actions were a result of his mental health issues, not criminal intent.

However, the Mayor’s call has ignited a fierce backlash from critics, many of whom argue that this is another example of Mamdani’s radical “collectivist” ideology. They accuse him of prioritizing the rights of violent offenders over the safety of police officers and the general public. Police unions have also voiced strong opposition, warning that failing to prosecute Chakraborty would send a “deadly message” to criminals throughout the city and encourage further violence.

DA Melinda Katz is now caught in a delicate position, facing immense pressure from Mamdani’s office to drop the charges, while also facing the ire of law enforcement and public safety advocates who see the prosecution as necessary to uphold justice. As the case continues to divide opinion, the debate over how to address mental health crises and police use of force remains at the forefront of New York’s ongoing challenges.