New York leaders honor Trinidadian-American soldier killed in Jordan missile attack

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other state and city leaders are paying tribute to Trinidadian-American U.S. Army Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad, who is believed to have been killed in an Iranian missile strike on a military base in Jordan.

The Pentagon announced Tuesday that Rampersad, 28, is believed to have been killed in action during an enemy attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base on July 17. The military said the incident remains under investigation after previously listing her as missing.

Rampersad, an Ozone Park, Queens, resident, was the daughter of Basdeo and Carol Rampersad, who are originally from Trinidad and Tobago.

"Today, New York mourns the loss of one of our own, Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad of Ozone Park, who is believed to have been killed in action while serving our nation on July 17," Hochul said in a statement.

"My heart is with her family, loved ones, and the soldiers who stood beside her as they grieve this unimaginable loss."

Hochul described Rampersad's life as one marked by "courage and selflessness," saying New York and the nation are safer because of service members like her.

"May we honor her memory, remember her sacrifice and keep all who loved her in our prayers," the governor said.

Mamdani said Rampersad's death would be felt well beyond her Queens neighborhood.

"Her courage and sacrifice will be remembered not just in Queens, but across all five boroughs," he said.

"My deepest condolences are with her family, loved ones, and all those grieving this profound loss. For so many New Yorkers, wars overseas are never distant — they are felt here at home. The sacrifices made by service members and their families are a constant reminder of this."

He added that the city is "forever grateful for their service and will work every day to honor it."

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Joann Ariola also offered condolences, saying the city mourns the loss of an Ozone Park resident who died while serving her country.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends as they grieve the loss of their beloved," they said in a joint statement. "As this conflict continues in the Middle East, we pray that all our service members remain safe and return home to their families."

New York State Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar, whose district includes Ozone Park, described Rampersad as an "American hero."

"She answered America's call with courage, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to defending our nation and the freedoms we hold dear," Rajkumar told the Caribbean Media Corporation. "Sgt. Rampersad embodied the very best of the United States Army and of our country."

Rajkumar said Rampersad served "far from home, stood in harm's way, and carried out her duty with honor."

"Her service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by Ozone Park, Queens, New York City, or a grateful nation," she said.

She also expressed support for Rampersad's family, particularly her parents, Basdeo and Carol Rampersad.

"I stand shoulder to shoulder with her family ... and with all who love her during this unimaginable loss," Rajkumar said.

In its statement, the Pentagon said Rampersad "is believed to have been killed in action on July 17, 2026, during an enemy attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan."

"The incident is under investigation. U.S. Central Command previously announced this soldier as missing. The soldier's status was updated to a Duty Status–Whereabouts Unknown and is believed to be deceased," the statement said.