Police shooting of man in mental health crisis sparks scrutiny in New York

A New York police shooting involving a man in a mental health crisis has drawn renewed criticism of law enforcement responses to psychiatric emergencies. A family sought medical help for their son. However, responding officers opened fire, leaving the young man in critical condition. As a result, comparisons have emerged to a fatal police shooting involving a Korean American man in Los Angeles two years ago.

The incident occurred on January 26 in Briarwood, Queens. Jabez Chakraborty, 22, who was experiencing a mental health crisis, was shot four times by officers from the New York City Police Department. He was rushed to surgery and remains unconscious in intensive care. In addition, a recording of the family’s 911 call has fueled public scrutiny.

Family sought medical aid, not police force

According to the released 911 audio, Chakraborty’s parents asked dispatchers to send an ambulance and arrange involuntary hospitalization. They emphasized that their son was not violent and carried no weapon. Dispatchers responded that both police officers and emergency medical personnel would be sent.

However, the family later said the situation deteriorated after police arrived. They stated that the household had been calm and that they were eating together before officers intervened. Therefore, they argue that police involvement escalated a manageable medical emergency.

Body-camera video released by the New York City Police Department shows Chakraborty holding a kitchen knife and approaching officers. One officer fired four shots from roughly one foot away. Police said the officer acted in self-defense as Chakraborty advanced with the knife.

The family strongly disputed that account. In a statement, they said officers drew their guns immediately, shouted at Chakraborty, and created a climate of fear. Moreover, they said the shooting occurred less than a minute after officers entered the home.

Parallels to a fatal Los Angeles case

The police shooting mental health case has been compared to the 2024 fatal shooting of Yong Yang, a Korean American man in Los Angeles. Yang’s family had contacted the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health seeking help.

A department employee, Soo-tae Yoon, contacted police without providing alternatives. Subsequently, Andres Lopez, an officer from the Olympic Station of the Los Angeles Police Department, shot and killed Yang after forcing open his door, citing a knife in his hand.

Chakraborty remains hospitalized after surgery. His family said they never expected their plea for help to end in gunfire. Meanwhile, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was briefed on the incident and announced plans to establish a Community Safety Department.

The proposal would prioritize dispatching clinical mental health professionals instead of police to psychiatric emergencies. Mamdani said the current police-centered model must be fundamentally reexamined. Therefore, advocates argue that reforms are necessary to prevent further tragedies during mental health crises.

BY HANKIL KANG, JIHYE YOON   [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]