First Lady Michelle Obama will attend the funeral for a Chicago teen who was shot and killed last month.
Hidaya Pendleton will be laid to rest Saturday and The White House confirmed today that Michelle Obama will be at the Greater Harvest Baptist Church.
Pendleton’s tragic death has captured the attention of the nation. The 15-year-old was shot and killed just one week after visiting Washington DC for the President’s inauguration. Since her murder, the honor student and band majorette from King Prep became a symbol for gun violence in America.
The First Lady will attend Pendleton’s funeral along with White House senior advisor Valerie Jarrett and Education Secretary Arne Duncan. Today, Chicago police met with the secret service to plan for their arrival.
At King Prep, their presence at the funeral sends a clear message to the students.
“She went to the White House to see them, now the White House is coming to see her,” said Rev Jesse Jackson who told Pendleton’s classmates that they have the power to impact this high profile case and save lives down the road. He wants students to do what’s difficult, start talking.
So much attention focused on Pendleton’s death raised concerns about how to accommodate the growing crowds for the girl’s funeral. Greater Harvest Missionary Baptist Church can seat 1300 Saturday. Organizers suspect some will be turned away once the church is filled.
8 Comments to “First Lady will attend funeral for slain Chicago teen”
February 7, 2013 at 10:53 PM
Hope she has time to attend all the other victim's funerals too….
February 7, 2013 at 11:50 PM
sick of hearing about this. if she wouldnt have attended the inauguration she would have been just another dead kid in chicago. they are over doing it with this topic. and for mrs. obama going to the funeral that is uncalled for. did she attend any of the sandy hook victims? no
February 8, 2013 at 1:55 AM
You lo-lifes need some business,if Ms.Obama wants to pay her respect to the deceased thats her business and she should be able to do so without the criticism of people who have nothing better to do but judge others.Get yourself a life!!!
February 8, 2013 at 4:06 PM
agreed.
February 8, 2013 at 12:04 PM
At her expense fine at tax payers expense i say no.
February 9, 2013 at 1:34 AM
She is the first lady..second term..she dont have to do nothing she dont wanna do…NEWSFLASH…its a done deal..so stop being an a$#hole
February 9, 2013 at 1:36 AM
show some dignity and respect for the deceased as well as others that feel compelled to do likewise….JERK!!!!!
April 9, 2013 at 1:45 PM
Slow news day .