QUEENS, N.Y. — Despite Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s objections, Jabez Chakraborty, 22, who was shot by police during a mental health crisis in Queens, has been charged with attempted assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

Chakraborty’s family had called 911 for help, seeking medical assistance as he acted erratically. Body-camera footage released by the NYPD shows him advancing toward officers with a large kitchen knife.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz filed the charges Feb. 13. Chakraborty pleaded not guilty from his hospital bed and remains in custody on bail.

Mamdani has argued that Chakraborty, who has a history of schizophrenia, needs mental health treatment rather than criminal prosecution. He highlighted that the family originally called for an ambulance, not police, and said the case underscores the need for a city system that dispatches trained health professionals instead of officers in psychiatric emergencies. Mamdani said no family should have to endure what Chakraborty’s family went through, emphasizing prevention, compassion, and crisis care as the appropriate response.