Gambiaj.com – (Connecticut, United States) – The funeral for Abdou Rahman Nyan, a U.S. Army veteran of Senegambian descent who was shot and killed by police officers in Santa Barbara County, California, was held on Friday at the Bridgeport Islamic Community Center in Connecticut. The Janaza prayer followed the Juma’ah service, after which he was laid to rest at the AMC Muslim Cemetery in Manchester, Connecticut.
Nyan, 32, was a National Guardsman, IT specialist, and biologist. He was shot six times by deputies at a Ralph’s grocery store on Hollister Avenue in Goleta two weeks ago.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the two deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal and external investigation. The circumstances leading to the shooting remain under review.
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs dispatched an official delegation to the funeral to convey condolences and express solidarity with the family. Members of the Gambian and broader West African diaspora, along with U.S. military veterans, filled the prayer hall.
Speaking before the burial, Nyan’s mother, Amie Noho, delivered a deeply emotional tribute. She described her son as a soldier who “carried the quiet wounds of war,” a reference to the depression he struggled with after his military service.
“He served his country with honor,” she said. “Yet behind that uniform was a son who carried the quiet wounds of war, the kind unseen but deeply felt. My son, who once defended others, found himself defenseless in his final moments, taken too soon, in the hands of those sworn to protect.”
She described Abdou Rahman as a gentle soul who found peace in nature, particularly on the water, where he enjoyed canoeing and rafting. She spoke of his brilliance, his love for family, and the emotional battles he endured privately.
A second eulogy was delivered by Yankuba Jammeh, a community leader and relative. He remembered Nyan as “a man of service, intellect, and heart,” highlighting his military service, academic achievements, and devotion to his family. Jammeh noted that Nyan had been pursuing further training to better provide for his loved ones.
“Abdou gave more than he received. He listened more than he spoke. And when he did speak, his words mattered,” Jammeh said.
The killing has renewed discussions within the Senegambian diaspora about mental health support for veterans and the use of force by law enforcement against individuals experiencing psychological distress.
Community members say the details surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and some are calling for a transparent investigation and public release of body camera footage.
This is not the first time the Gambian and broader African immigrant community in the U.S. has mourned the death of a young man following a confrontation with police. Advocates say the case underscores the need for culturally sensitive mental health resources, de-escalation training, and greater accountability in police responses to crisis situations.
As investigations continue, the family says their focus is on dignity, justice, and preserving Abdou Rahman’s memory.
“May Allah forgive your pain and grant you peace,” his mother said quietly, as mourners gathered around the grave.
