‘Heartbroken’ Michelle Obama to attend Saturday funeral of Hadiya Pendleton BY MICHAEL SNEED Chicago Sun-Times Columnist 
 
 Updated: 
 
 A “heartbroken” first lady Michelle Obama is planning on attending the Saturday funeral services for slain teenager Hadiya Pendleton, who has become a national symbol for the growing problem of gun and gang violence in the city of Chicago. WASHINGTON -- First lady Michelle Obama plans to attend Saturday’s funeral in Chicago for 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton, who was fatally shot last week about a mile from the Obama family’s Kenwood home 
 
 Pendleton, an honor student and band majorette at King College Prep, had participated in inaugural festivities near Washington about a week before her death. “As a mother and Chicagoan, the first lady was heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of Hadiya Pendleton due to senseless gun violence,” said Kristina Schake, communications director for Michelle Obama. “Too many times, we’ve seen young people struck down with so much of their lives ahead of them. The first lady is traveling to her funeral on Saturday to offer her condolences and support to Hadiya’s family and loved ones.” 
 
 Hadiya was gunned down last month at a North Kenwood neighborhood park. Obama will be accompanied to the funeral by Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to the president, and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Jesse Jackson said Thursday: “She went to the White House to see the president, and now the people in the White House are coming to see her. After learning today that the first lady planned to attend, Shatira Wilks, a cousin who serves as the family’s spokesperson, said they are still committed to making the funeral a celebration of the teen’s life. “It’s a nice gesture and we appreciate it,” Wilks said. “A lot of troubled teenagers turn out to be responsible adults,” she said. “We are very thankful the people are coming to support the family. Visitation is scheduled for 2 to 9 p.m. Friday in Calahan Funeral Home at 7030 S. Halsted St. On Saturday, the wake continues at 9 a.m. followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. in Greater Harvest Baptist Church, 5141 S. State St. 
 
 Tribune reporters Kathleen Hennessey and Monique Garcia contributed to this report.
– Michelle Obama will attend Saturday's funeral for Hadiya Pendleton, the Chicago teen killed not long after performing at President Obama's inauguration, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Alongside Obama will be adviser Valerie Jarrett and Education Secretary Arne Duncan, also Chicagoans, reports the Tribune. No arrests have been made in the shooting, but a $40,000 reward remains. Police think the 15-year-old got shot accidentally amid a turf war between gangs.