NYC Mayor Mamdani under fire for defending knife-wielding suspect over police officers New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing backlash for suggesting that a mentally ill man, Jabez Chakraborty, who was shot by police after allegedly charging at them with a knife, should receive mental health treatment instead of criminal prosecution. Critics, including radio host Joey Jones and contributor Guy Benson, argue that Mamdani’s position is detrimental to law enforcement and misidentifies the victim. Mamdani, who met with Chakraborty’s family, has stated that a person experiencing a mental health episode does not always need to be exclusively served by a police officer and that all options should be available.

• NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani suggested a mentally ill man shot by police should receive mental health treatment, not criminal prosecution.
• Critics, including Joey Jones and Guy Benson, argue Mamdani’s stance undermines police and misidentifies victims.
• The suspect, Jabez Chakraborty, allegedly charged officers with a large kitchen knife during a mental health episode.
• The Queens district attorney’s office is investigating, with potential attempted murder indictment being considered.
• Mamdani stated that individuals in mental health crises should have options beyond solely police intervention.
• Addressing the mental health crisis was a key part of Mamdani’s 2025 campaign.