While rumors continue to swirl about a possible presidential presence at the funeral of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton, one esteemed guest has been confirmed.
Gov. Pat Quinn will remember the slain Chicago teen by speaking at her funeral, set for 9 a.n. Saturday at the Greater Harvest Baptist Church, at 5141 S. State St. A visitation for the teen will be held Friday at Calahan Funeral Home, at 7030 S. Halsted St., from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Hadiya was gunned down last week at Kenwood Park on the city's South Side. The reward leading to her killer stands at $40,000.
A petition was started asking that President Barack Obama attend the funeral. An unconfirmed report published Tuesday said First Lady Michelle Obama has considered attending.
The Pendleton family's pastor confirmed the president called Hadiya's parents to offer his sympathies.
"We thank him for that, and if he does come, that's fine," Pastor Courtney Maxwell said. "If he doesn't, we know he sends his love."
