New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani attended the funeral of Army Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad in Queens. She was one of three U.S. service members killed in Jordan during an Iranian attack on July 17. Despite his presence at the service in Ozone Park, Mamdani did not speak.
The New York Post reported that Mamdani appeared ready with a speech on an iPad, but he wasn’t invited to deliver it. A source suggested Rampersad’s family wanted to avoid political distractions.
The mayor’s office later shared his intended remarks. “It is often said that our fallen ‘gave their tomorrows for our today,'” Mamdani had planned to say. He emphasized Rampersad’s sacrifice for the safety of others.
The Department of War confirmed the details of Rampersad’s death. At 28, Rampersad was killed in action during an attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke during the service, expressing admiration for Rampersad. “I feel like she could be one of my daughters,” she remarked.
Alongside Rampersad, two other U.S. service members—1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales—were killed defending against Iranian attacks. They were supporting Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS.
Rampersad was part of the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment in Ansbach, Germany. She served as a Signal Operations Support Specialist.
Photos showed dignitaries, including Mamdani, paying respects as the casket was carried outside the church.