New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was reportedly prevented from delivering remarks at the funeral of a fallen U.S. soldier after the family chose to avoid political distractions during the service, according to a new report.
The New York Post, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that Mamdani had expected to speak during Friday’s funeral for Army Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad in Queens. Rampersad, 28, was one of three American soldiers killed last month in Jordan during an Iranian strike.
Although Mamdani attended the funeral, the report says he never took the podium.
One source who attended the service told the Post that the mayor appeared visibly upset after realizing he would not be called to speak.
“He looked over at his staff, frustrated and seemed angry that he didn’t speak. When he realized his name wasn’t being called, he looked at his staff angrily and then eventually put his tablet away,” the source said.
Another source told the outlet that Rampersad’s family holds conservative political views and supports President Donald Trump, which reportedly influenced the decision not to have Mamdani address those in attendance.
“The family is more conservative and wanted to limit any political distractions,” the source said.
Despite not being invited to speak during the service, Mamdani’s office later released the prepared remarks he had intended to deliver in honor of the fallen soldier.
“It is often said that our fallen ‘gave their tomorrows for our today,’” the prepared statement reads. “Sergeant Rampersad had tomorrows waiting for her: birthdays, ordinary mornings, evenings spent with her loved ones. But she gave every one of them up so that we could have ours — so that we could stand here today, safe and protected.”
The funeral was held at a church in Ozone Park and included remarks from several public officials and community leaders. According to the report, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Ozone Park Residents Block Association President Sam Esposito, state Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr., and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards were among those who spoke during the service honoring Rampersad’s life and sacrifice.
The reported decision to leave Mamdani off the list of speakers comes as the mayor continues to face criticism from some families connected to another solemn New York remembrance.
Families of victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks have continued urging Mamdani not to attend this year’s ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center. Those calls have persisted in recent weeks as preparations continue for the annual memorial event.
So far, however, Mamdani has declined those requests and has rejected calls for him to stay away from the anniversary ceremony.
The report surrounding Rampersad’s funeral adds another chapter to the ongoing political controversy involving the mayor, with the decision over who would speak at the service reportedly shaped by the wishes of the fallen soldier’s family and their desire to keep politics from overshadowing the occasion honoring her sacrifice.
