Mamdani Blocked By Fallen Soldier’s Family From Speaking at Funeral: Report

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks to reporters during a news conference in New York, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) was blocked from speaking at a fallen soldier’s funeral over his politics, according to a new report.

According to the New York Post, citing sources familiar with the matter, Mamdani had prepared for and expected to give a speech at the funeral of Army Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad Friday in Queens. Rampersad, 28, was among three soldiers killed by an Iranian strike last month in Jordan.

Mamdani attended the funeral, but apparenlty grew frustrated at his staff when he didn’t hear his name called to speak, the outlet reported.

“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,” a source in attendance at the funeral said.

A different source claimed Rampersad’s family is conservative and supports President Donald Trump and that was the reason they didn’t want Mamdani speaking at the service.

“The family is more conservative and wanted to limit any political distractions,” the source said.

Mamdani’s office did release his prepared remarks about Rampersad.

“It is often said that our fallen ‘gave their tomorrows for our today,” the 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.”

Speakers at the fallen soldier’s funeral, held in an Ozone Park church, reportedly included New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D), Ozone Park Residents Block Association President Sam Esposito, state Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Queens), and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.

The apparent snub comes as 9/11 families continue to say Mamdani should not attend this year’s ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the World Trade Center attack.

So far Mamdani has rejected the calls that he stay away from the solemn ceremony.

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