Posted on: August 01, 2026 06:00 AM

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Thousands in Queens mourn US Army Sgt Angel Rampersad killed in Iranian airstrike

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul were among thousands flooding a Queens church and nearby streets Friday for a public funeral honoring Queens Army Sgt. Angel Rampersad, who, along with two other U.S. soldiers, was killed during the Iranian attack on Jordan earlier this month.

Earlier this week, her tight-knit Ozone Park community held a candlelight vigil in memoriam.

A large group, hundreds maybe, of people gathered Monday for the vigil organized by the Ozone Park Residents Block Association on 96th Street, where the 28-year-old Rampersad lived and was well-known in the community.

Rampersad's family was there as well, comforted by their friends and neighbors.

Judy Rackal, Rampersad's aunt, said the vigil was "very healing" for the family, who felt the love and support of the community. On Friday an even larger crowd turned out for the remembrance at Calvary Assembly of God church (Rewatch the entire service below.) A procession then led to Long Island National Cemetery.

American flags lining the Ozone Park streets around Rampersad's family home on 96th Street have been flying at half-staff since the sergeant's death on July 17.