New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani did not deliver prepared remarks during the funeral of Army Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad after the soldier’s family reportedly requested that he not speak in an effort to avoid political distractions.
According to a report by the New York Post, Mamdani attended Friday’s funeral in Queens expecting to address mourners and had prepared remarks for the service. However, his name was never called during the ceremony, and he ultimately did not speak.
Rampersad, 28, was one of three U.S. Army reservists killed last month in Jordan during an Iranian-backed attack on the military installation where they were serving.
The funeral drew family members, fellow service members and public officials who gathered to honor the fallen soldier’s life and military service.
According to the report, sources familiar with the matter said the decision not to have Mamdani speak came at the request of Rampersad’s family.
“The family is more conservative and wanted to limit any political distractions,” one source told the newspaper.
Neither Mamdani’s office nor members of the Rampersad family have publicly confirmed the reported reason the mayor did not address those attending the service.
One attendee told the Post that Mamdani appeared frustrated when it became apparent he would not be invited to the podium.
“He looked over at his staff, frustrated and seemed angry that he didn’t speak,” the attendee said.
The source added that the mayor 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.
Although he did not speak during the ceremony, Mamdani’s office later released the remarks he had prepared.
“It is often said that our fallen ‘gave their tomorrows for our today,’” the prepared statement read.
“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 statement continued.
Several public officials did address mourners during the service.
According to the report, speakers included New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Ozone Park Residents Block Association President Sam Esposito, state Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.
The funeral comes as Mamdani continues facing criticism from some families of victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
According to Mediaite, some family members have urged the mayor not to attend this year’s ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the attacks at the World Trade Center.
Mamdani has publicly rejected those calls and has not indicated that he intends to stay away from the annual memorial, according to the Conservative Brief.
Despite the political attention surrounding the funeral, the service centered on honoring Rampersad’s sacrifice and military service after she was killed while serving her country overseas.
