Mayor Mamdani Not Allowed to Speak at Funeral of Army Sergeant Killed in Attack

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was reportedly not given the opportunity to speak during the funeral of Army Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad in Queens on July 31. Rampersad was one of three U.S. service members killed in an Iranian attack on July 17. Although Mamdani attended the service at a church in Ozone Park, he did not deliver remarks. According to the New York Post, Mamdani appeared to review prepared remarks on an iPad while other dignitaries spoke, but his name was not called. A source familiar with the funeral indicated that Rampersad's family opted not to have Mamdani speak to avoid any potential political distractions. The mayor's office later released his prepared remarks, which included a tribute to Rampersad's sacrifice. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also delivered remarks during the service, expressing her admiration for Rampersad. The Department of War confirmed that Rampersad, 28, was killed during an enemy attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, where she was deployed as part of Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS. The other two service members killed in the attack were identified as 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales.