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First Lady Attends Funeral of Chicago Teen Shot After Performing at the Inauguration: ‘Tragic Loss…Due to Senseless Gun Violence’

Feb. 9, 2013 5:29pm Erica Ritz

Michelle Obama Attends Hadiya Pendletons Funeral in Chicago | Slain After Performing at Inauguration

This undated file family photo provided by Damon Stewart shows 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton of Chicago who was was shot Jan. 29, 2013 while she talked with friends in a park about a mile from President Barack Obama’s Chicago home. (Photo: AP)

(TheBlaze/AP) — Hundreds of mourners and dignitaries, including first lady Michelle Obama, packed the funeral service Saturday for a Chicago teen whose killing catapulted her into the nation’s debate over gun violence.

But one speaker after another remembered 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton not so much as a symbol but as a best friend, reports say, an excellent student with big dreams and simply a girl with a great smile and bubbly personality. They said she was a typical teen who wanted to borrow her friends’ clothes and who never left home without her lip gloss.

And to her mother, Pendleton was the daughter she tried to keep busy so she’d be beyond the reach of the city’s seemingly endless gang violence.

“You don’t know how hard this really is, and those of you who do know how hard this really is, I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” Cleopatra Pendleton told the packed South Side church. “No mother, no father should ever have to experience this.”

Cleopatra Pendleton (L) arrives for the funeral of her 15-year-old daughter Hadiya at the Greater Harvest M.B. Church on February 9, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo: Getty Images)

Hadiya Pendleton was shot and killed on Jan. 29 as she stood with friends at a neighborhood park about a mile from President Barack Obama’s Chicago home in the Kenwood neighborhood. Just days before, the band majorette was among the performers during events for Obama’s inauguration. Police say Pendleton was an innocent victim in a gang-related shooting.

Michelle Obama was among a long list of dignitaries who attended the funeral, but she was able to meet privately with the family before the service. She also accompanied the girl’s mother to the open casket at the front of the church.

“As a mother and Chicagoan, the first lady was heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of Hadiya Pendleton due to senseless gun violence,” Kristina Schake, an aide to Obama, commented.

The first lady, who grew up on Chicago’s South Side, put her arm around Cleopatra Pendleton and patted her back.

Criticized for “politicizing” the girl’s death on Friday, though, she appeared to making an effort to avoid the press and ducked in through a side door.

First lady Michelle Obama (L) ducks in a side door after arrivng at the Greater Harvest M.B. Church for the funeral of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton on February 9, 2013, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo: Getty Images)

Some of Illinois’ most recognizable politicians and clergy were in attendance, including Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett, Gov. Pat Quinn, and U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

But Pendleton’s family said the service wouldn’t be political – it would be a time to remember a girl who loved to dance and who once appeared in an anti-gang video.

None of the dignitaries spoke Saturday. Instead, close friends, holding back tears, got up to remember her.

One of them said she felt Hadiya was “still here with us, whispering the answers in chemistry.”

The Rev. Jesse Jackson leaves the wake of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton at the Calahan Funeral Home in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo: Getty Images)

But the national impact of the young woman’s killing was noted.

Her godfather, Damon Stewart, said someone on Facebook asked what made Pendleton’s death more noteworthy than those of more than 40 people who had already been slain in Chicago this year – many without so much as a mention in local newspapers.

“She’s important because all those other people who died are important,” Stewart retorted. “She’s important because all of those lives and voices of those families who were ignored, she now speaks for them. … I don’t believe in coincidence. God needed an angel. God needed to send somebody for us to change.”

Father Michael Pfleger, a prominent Chicago pastor, reportedly asked, “when did we lose our soul?” in discussing “our failure as a society that has allowed guns to become part of our wardrobe.”

An overflow crowd stands outside the Greater Harvest M.B. Church during the funeral of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton on February 9, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo: Getty Images)

Pendleton’s slaying came in a January that was the city’s deadliest in a decade. In 2012, Chicago recorded 506 homicides.

A glossy, eight-page funeral program included photos of Pendleton and details about her life. It also had a copy of a handwritten note from President Obama addressed to the girl’s family.

“We know that no words from us can soothe the pain, but rest assured that we are praying for you, and that we will continue to work as hard as we can to end this senseless violence,” it read.

According to ABC News, Hadiya’s mother is expected to be a guest of honor at the State of the Union Tuesday night.

CBS Chicago has more:

–

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Comments (158)

Azzman
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 11:46pm
So basically the politicians that were in attendance were the ones that killed this poor girl. Am I the only one here the sees this irony?

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masimo
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 11:41pm
where is the father of this girl? why is just the mother invited to the State of the Union address? Where is daddy in all of this. This poor girl died because she was involved in the cross hairs of gang violence and our Prez and his wife, the mayor and now the mother of this poor victim are all dancing on her grave. There will be a special place in hell for these people

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RetUSAFVet
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 11:37pm
Just a note to the FLOTUS. This was not the result of GUN violence – it was the result of BLACK GANG violence. When you can honestly speak of the real problem, then maybe, just maybe, the real people of America might change their attitude about you (fat chance tho)

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sURFNmADNESS
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 11:04pm
Meantime the funeral for a white American war hero will not attended by anyone from the White House.

Racist President and his staff.

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Chromo200
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 10:36pm
I figure the Feds should take over the City of Chicago and place soldiers and Tanks/Humvee’s with machine guns on each corner of the City and it’s suburbs. Instill Martial Law, have every one then have an ID and stop people and ask why they are in the City, etc .. and then gun violence may go down, but the good people will leave the greater Chicago area and turn it into a ghost town.

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Acena
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 9:04pm
The very politicians who are milking this are the ones that make deals with the gangs : votes – to leave them alone to deal drugs and kill.
Sharpton was running coke and laundering drug money with Wycliffe Jean. Jackson has used drugs since the 70′s as did Obama.
Everyone one of them encourages welfare abuse,drug businesses ,black rebellion and violence .

So they play a sympathy game at ones girl’s funeral ,while these gangs control and destroy entire communities and have spread like cancer across the country .

Now they want to legalize millions of mexican cartel and gang members to increase the crime,death and destruction .Apparently 8,000 drug and gang murders a year aren’t enough for liberals.

The very things destroying our society and country is the backbone of the democratic party.

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- katzkiner
  Posted on February 10, 2013 at 3:14am
  Wow, someone else gets it.
  
  Report this comment
700P
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 8:26pm
Perhaps she just inadvertently slurred her speech and meant to say “Gang Violence”which is infinitely more accurate? Not likely I suppose.

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AmericanStrega
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:59pm
Sorry the girl was murdered, but I could give a rat’s red patoot what MO says or want.

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oxycontinxx
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:43pm
“First Lady Attends Funeral of Chicago Teen Shot After Performing at the Inauguration……”

ALL POLITICS…………..EVERY BIT OF IT

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oh_yeah
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:42pm
will this end at tragic loss or will the senseless one be found, brought to justice, tried and convicted?

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DSTSS2010
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:41pm
Maybe ten years ago I watched a video where a guy walked up to two other guys(gang bangers) to ask for directions. They shot and killed him and walked away. It’s just getting worse. there is no respect for human life any longer. Chilfren are being brought up with no moral compass. Those children become soulless monsters.

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ClemBradshaw
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:40pm
This isn’t a gun problem. This is a collapse of the black family unit. No fathers or male figures around

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- oxycontinxx
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:49pm
  yep, like my brother says. the parents dont do right by the kids when they re being raised and the schools either cant or wont deal with the issue, but when they get to me i handle it directly, quickly, and to the point.
  
  my brothers first name…………JUDGE
  
  Report this comment
denkat56
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:27pm
These people never stop, how many people murdered in Chicago last year where was the princess then, and her faithful sidekick manual. Its funny how they pick a crisis, that makes them look their best. Never mind all the other victims.

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Al J Zira
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:20pm
There’s no such thing as gun violence!!!!!! Gun are inanimate objects so therefore can not commit violence. This is an example of gang violence that this administration and everyone else refuses to address or acknowledge.

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Trail_Jumper
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:04pm
Let’s see, you ban guns in Chicago and the vacuum it creates causes gangs to get more and more guns. They then use these guns to shoot an innocent girl, and you blame……….me.
You liberals are insane. Screw you. I’ve had enough of your progressive/regressive crap. You are to blame. You, liberals. YOU.

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Pat Alexander
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:56pm
I wonder how much it cost us to ferry Mo and her entourage out to Chi-Town to promote the commie agenda.

There people have NO shame.

Still waiting for a lightning bolt. After the prayer breakfast, it can’t be far off….

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barber2
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:52pm
Add your comments

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Brasil2520
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:46pm
The KKK did it

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bdandsl
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:44pm
Never let a crisis go to waste!

If this was my daughter none of those vultures would be allowed and make this political!

Chicago is the result of liberal policies and yet they are all in denial.

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- mikem1969
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:38pm
  You said it, but this is the typical liberal progressive mantra, create situations where tragedies will arise, politicize those tragedies so they don’t go to waste.
  
  Did the first lady gorilla mention that there is a 90% chance that this never would have happened if thugcago did not have some of the strictest gun laws in the country? Nope, she did not, because that goes against their gun grab agenda. The left wants to protect the thugs and put the law abiding citizens in more danger.
  
  Report this comment
- CatB
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:38pm
  Where were they for the HUNDREDS of funerals last year .. and those that will be THIS year. You are correct .. if she had not be at the inaugural and they are able to USE her funeral .. they wouldn’t give a **** .. they really don’t but they are USING THIS GIRLS DEATH. Shame on them and the family for letting them.
  
  R.I.P.
  
  Report this comment
- The-Monk
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:44pm
  I never heard the name Hadiya before so I looked it up. So far not much info.
  
  http://www.behindthename.com/name/hadiya
  
  Report this comment
- The-Monk
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:46pm
  Here’s a better one…
  
  http://www.themeaningofnames.org/?n=Hadiya&m=&d=&y=&go=Go
  
  Report this comment
- skippy6
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:51pm
  I think they worded that wrong…..
  
  Tragic Loss…Due to Senseless Gun control…
  
  Report this comment
- HOOT_OWL
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 8:10pm
  GETTING PRETTY SICK OF THIS.
  
  ‘Senseless Gun Violence’ ..????????
  
  WRONG PC MEDIA..!
  
  Senseless >>>GANG<<<< violence..!!!!!!!!!!
  
  Report this comment
- crackerone
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 8:11pm
  Guns and gay rights will be the theme all night.
  
  Wouldn’t surprise me if the first linebacker wore a rainbow colored weave.
  
  Report this comment
- turkey13
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 8:55pm
  Did Chicago park personell forget to put up the “Gun Free & Gang Free” signs The city should pass a law making it against the law to kill non memebers during gang wars..
  
  Report this comment
- team1blazer
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 10:29pm
  This is NOT GUN VIOLENCE. This is GANG VIOLENCE. Please tell me how any more laws could have prevented this. You can’t. Chicago already has some of the most stringent gun laws in the country…..and the highest gun violence rates. It’s not about guns people, it’s about GANGS. It’s time to start hanging these thugs (and the judges who keep on letting them roam our streets.
  
  Report this comment
- johnpaulkuchtajr
  Posted on February 10, 2013 at 6:36am
  This Chicago murder was tragic; but, I wonder why nobody paid any attention when three, openly gay members of Reverend Jeremiah Wright’s Chicago congregation were shot in the head at close range during November through December 2007. The mother of one of those victims continued to proclaim that a guy named Barack Obama was a good friend of her son. Don’t trust me, google all this stuff. If you have the stomach for it, include a “social club” called “Man’s Country” in your search.
  
  “Remember Benghazi and all the Traitors!”
  
  Report this comment
- Hamburgerhelper
  Posted on February 10, 2013 at 7:51am
  Her first visit to the violent slums of chicago- guess they ran out of lobster and caviar at the WH. She has been a huge disappointment posing in the garden with arugula and vegetables. Instead of peeing away all that money on vacations you would think she would seriously roll up her designer sleeves without cameras and devote herself to saving Detroit and inner city Chicago with her buddy the Mayor- no GOP to blame there- So tell me where have these “role models” been for 4 years aside from basting themselves in Hollywood PR and Glamour covers on fashion magazines? VILE AND DISGUSTING!! Poor child and so many like them. No matter how much money you throw at those cities for the last 50 years the liberals have not solved the problem!! Blame who?
  
  Report this comment
- db321
  Posted on February 10, 2013 at 10:14am
  As soon as you finished with that funeral, you and big ears might want to attend the funeral of a real National Treasure Chris Kyle the American Sniper.
  
  Or you could attend the Funeral of the Slain LA Police Officers by the wacko that idolizes you and the Liberal media. Keep spewing you hate. God will turn you into fools.
  
  Report this comment
- Redfor
  Posted on February 10, 2013 at 10:50am
  Hmmmmm…. I notice no arrest made? Would love to see that story of a stolen gun was bought off the street around any sort of gun control law..
  
  Report this comment
- redfish52
  Posted on February 10, 2013 at 12:18pm
  Yep….never let a good photo shot go to waste..
  
  Report this comment
- sillyfreshness
  Posted on February 10, 2013 at 2:09pm
  This story has to be a complete lie and fabrication. Everyone knows Chicago is a “gun free zone” and they (commies) want to implement that great policy across the entire US. Look how well it’s working in Chicago.
  
  Report this comment
barber2
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:43pm
NANCY: This is day one of this Troll name. Think it’s one of our ” progressive libertarians” aka lefty Anarchists. Several juvenile, ill-bred Trolls lose here.

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- hoofmanw
  Posted on February 10, 2013 at 12:35pm
  I didn’t read all of the replies, so forgive me if this has already been said but I smell a false flag.
  
  Report this comment
barber2
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:39pm
This Chicago problem goes so much deeper than guns. The fact that the black leaders in Chicago are only using this to push their political agenda explains why the problems never get solved. The old mind-set of Blame Whitey…..Blame the cops, has now morphed into Blame Guns .

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- OlefromMN
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:48pm
  This isn’t a black/white issue. It is that Chicago is the most corrupt city in the USA. Emanuel is a white guy and Obama is black. They are equally corrupt.
  
  Report this comment
Fubared
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:28pm
Ditto

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The-Monk
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:24pm
“According to ABC News, Hadiya’s mother is expected to be a guest of honor at the State of the Union Tuesday night.”

Sounds like a really good Mom….. too bad the WH will make this a political issue.

I hope the Mom doesn’t show up at the SOTR…..

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- The-Monk
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:31pm
  I seem to remember Obama saying something like this….
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N3OvqoJXDA
  
  Report this comment
- Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:40pm
  You can guarantee that Obama will use this for all he can. Disgraceful across the board.
  
  Report this comment
- barber2
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:48pm
  MONK: They are parading some of the Colorado shooting victims’ families that night also. Shameful display of the Media Crazed Obama Administration’s habit of propagandizing their agenda at tax payers’ expense. Feed the Media Beast. Politicize tragedies. Propaganda 24 / 7. WILL THE OBAMA PEOPLE INCLUDE THE FAMILIES OF THOSE KILLED IN BENGHAZI ? Let me guess…
  
  Report this comment
- civilwarcometh
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:49pm
  http://politicalvelcraft.org/2013/01/13/obamas-first-graduating-class-of-hitler-youth-231-gun-totting-fema-kamp-kids-graduated-september-13-2012/
  
  Report this comment
- RLTW
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:22pm
  Let’s be real clear, this was due to drug and gang violence not legally owned guns of law abiding citizens
  
  Report this comment
- spirited
  Posted on February 10, 2013 at 1:37am
  Have the parents of Trayvon Martin been invited?
  
  >RIP Hadiya…… comfort and new found joy to her parents…
  
  Report this comment
- ICSPADES
  Posted on February 10, 2013 at 6:36am
  @ The Monk – Thanks for the link . I heard Obama talking about his own security forces but that was the first time I have seen the video of “The Obama Marching Minions”. I got a real chuckle out of that and even threw some imaginary hand grenades.
  
  Report this comment
- Agnes
  Posted on February 10, 2013 at 3:27pm
  Does this Mom sound like a greiving parent to you or only someone that will enjoy an all-paid trip to Washington, D.C.? Of course, working tax payers’ money?
  
  Report this comment
Verceofreason
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:23pm
Gangs don’t shoot.
Guns do.
Can’t wait for Zimmerman’s trial.

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- chips1
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:34pm
  Can’t wait for Obama’s trial.
  
  Report this comment
- progressiveslayer
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:39pm
  Zimmerman’s acquittal will be almost as sweet as Barry’s conviction.
  
  Report this comment
- barber2
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:40pm
  CHIPS: Some things are best ignored. Like juvenile, pestering Troll, Verce.
  
  Report this comment
- nzkiwi
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:47pm
  @ Verce of reason
  
  Have you noticed that your own comments are becoming somewhat devoid of reason recently? I’m getting a little bit worried about you. Previously, there was usually a basis to your remarks, but look at the above one.
  
  Your employer’s requirement that you constantly attack reasonable and thoughtful people seems to be having a deleterious effect on you, psychologically.
  
  This is not meant to be a gratuitous insult. If you have a record of your past posts, or your employer does, have a look over them and you’ll see what I mean.
  
  Just an observation.
  
  Good luck to you, anyway…
  
  Report this comment
- RANGER1965
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:49pm
  @Verce
  
  Who would have thought that guns would become self-willed sentient beings?
  
  One would think that the first AI would have been a computer.
  
  Report this comment
- BWH
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:05pm
  Guns shoot? Really? And just how do guns shoot? By someone putting their hands on the gun and pulling the trigger. In Chicago, this is most often done by gangs. Quit being so soft on them and impose harsh penalties and follow through with punishment.
  
  Report this comment
- OlefromMN
  Posted on February 9, 2013 at 7:55pm
  “Zimmerman’s acquittal will be almost as sweet as Barry’s conviction.”
  
  Not to sound like a buzz kill, but remember when we thought the Obamacare ruling would be a slam dunk? I have been praying for George Zimmerman more lately that ever before. I fear the courts and public are turning complacent.
  
  Report this comment
Tri-ox
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:18pm
Big Mo loves the spotlight and, just like her husband, she is always seeking a tragedy to exploit.

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- CarolinaGirl
  Posted on February 10, 2013 at 1:32pm
  Yeh, big mo is a Beyonce wantabe.
  
  Report this comment

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