Former congressman Joe Walsh blasted first lady Michelle Obama because she went to her hometown of Chicago to attend the funeral for 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton. Pendleton was shot to death on January 29 in Chicago after she performed in the president’s inauguration in Washington, D.C.
DNAinfo Chicago reported the tweets issued by Walsh, which said Obama’s appearance at the funeral was ‘political.’ His tweets included the following:
“Heartbroken” Michelle Obama attending funeral of Hadiya Pendleton. I guess the other 553 murder victims didn’t break her heart. (1/2)
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) February 8, 2013
Most of the 553 Chicago murder victims in 2012 & 2013 were young black males. Is she attending this funeral to make a political point? (2/2)
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) February 8, 2013
The King College Prep student was shot while standing under a canopy to avoid the rain. Her shooting sparked a petition asking Michelle Obama to come to the funeral for the girl. Also in attendance with Obama were senior adviser Valerie Jarrett and U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan. Pat Quinn, the Illinois governor, was also in attendance.
“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, Michelle Obama communications director, told the Tribune Thursday.
