Backlash to Democratic Socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani continues well after his election, as more and more residents of the Big Apple realize how bad his policies and approach to governing really are. The latest pushback manifested itself at a ceremony for a U.S. Army soldier killed by an Iranian missile last month. Mamdani reportedly did not speak Friday during the funeral of Army Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad in Queens, one of three U.S. service members killed in Jordan during an Iranian attack on July 17. Mamdani attended the service at a church in Ozone Park but did not deliver remarks honoring Rampersad. According to the New York Post, Mamdani appeared to review prepared remarks on an iPad as other dignitaries addressed the congregation, but he was not called upon to speak.
A source familiar with the funeral told The Post that Rampersad’s family chose not to have Mayor Zohran Mamdani speak in an effort to avoid what the source described as “political distractions.” Following the service, the mayor’s office released the prepared remarks Mamdani had intended to deliver. “It is often said that our fallen ‘gave their tomorrows for our today,'” Mamdani planned to say. “Sergeant Rampersad had tomorrows waiting for her: birthdays, ordinary mornings, evenings spent with her loved ones,” his remarks continued. “But she gave every one of them up so that we could have ours – so that we could stand here today, safe and protected,” he was to say.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), however, did speak. “I feel after reading and admiring this woman from a distance, I feel like she could be one of my daughters,” Hochul said. Other speakers included Ozone Park Residents Block Association President Sam Esposito, state Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.
Soldier’s Background and Service
The Department of War said Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York, was killed in action during an enemy attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. According to U.S. Central Command, Rampersad and two other American service members were killed while U.S. and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. The other service members killed were identified as 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas. All three were deployed to Jordan in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the international mission to combat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
The family of Army Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad reportedly blocked New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani from speaking at her funeral to avoid political distractions.
Mamdani was frustrated when he realized he would not be called to speak, reportedly glaring at his staff before… pic.twitter.com/GaF8rZkGqd
— AF Post (@AFpost) August 2, 2026
Rampersad was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 52d Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command in Ansbach, Germany. She served as a 25U Signal Operations Support Specialist, according to the Department of War. The family of Army Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad reportedly blocked New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani from speaking at her funeral to avoid political distractions. Mamdani was frustrated when he realized he would not be called to speak, reportedly glaring at his staff before…
Mayor’s Visible Frustration
One person who attended the funeral told the newspaper that the mayor appeared visibly frustrated when it became clear he would not be invited to the podium. “He looked over at his staff, frustrated and seemed angry that he didn’t speak,” the source told the Post. The attendee added that Mamdani eventually realized his name would not be called, looked toward members of his staff and put away the tablet that reportedly contained his prepared remarks.
A separate source cited by the newspaper said the decision stemmed from the wishes of Rampersad’s family, describing them as politically conservative and supportive of President Donald Trump. “The family is more conservative and wanted to limit any political distractions,” the source told the Post. Neither Mamdani’s office nor members of the Rampersad family have publicly confirmed the account explaining why the mayor did not speak during the service. Although he did not address mourners, Mamdani’s office later released the remarks he had prepared for the funeral. This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
