New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was reportedly not allowed to deliver a eulogy at the funeral of Army Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad in Queens on Friday, with multiple sources claiming the soldier’s family chose to leave him off the list of speakers.According to the New York Post, Mamdani was seated in the fourth row during the funeral service in Ozone Park and was seen reviewing prepared remarks on an iPad as New York Governor Kathy Hochul and other dignitaries addressed mourners.The report, citing unnamed sources, said the mayor’s name was never called, after which he appeared frustrated and put away his tablet.The report said Rampersad’s family, described by sources as supporters of US President Donald Trump, allegedly did not want Mamdani to speak because they wished to avoid “political distractions.”The report said the decision was linked to Mamdani’s political positions, with sources claiming Rampersad’s family wanted to avoid political distractions during the service. City Hall did not comment on the matter.
Prepared remarks released instead
Instead of delivering the eulogy, Mamdani’s office later released his prepared remarks, in which he paid tribute to the 28-year-old soldier’s sacrifice.“It is often said that our fallen ‘gave their tomorrows for our today,'” the prepared speech read. “Sergeant Rampersad had tomorrows waiting for her… But she gave every one of them up so that we could have ours.”Governor Kathy Hochul was among those who spoke during the service, along with local elected representatives and community leaders.
Soldier killed in Iran missile attack
Rampersad, 28, was among three US soldiers killed on July 17 during an Iranian missile attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. A native of Ozone Park, she graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice before joining the US Army.Hundreds of mourners, including family members, fellow soldiers and local residents, attended the funeral at Calvary Assembly of God church. Following the service, NYPD officers escorted her coffin in a police procession to her final resting place on Long Island.
