Cleopatra Cowley-Pendleton spoke Thursday alongside politicians and activists for the Children's Defense Fund. She was first Lady Michelle Obama's guest of honor during this week's state of the union address.
She says that Hadiya, 15, wasn't shot because she was in Chicago; she was shot because guns are too easy to get.
"Something needs to be done. I've said it before. If it's the job of the congress or whoever who crates the laws, things are required to put tighter restrictions on guns, the purchase of guns, the transfer of guns or receiving guns. And someone needs to do their job," Cleopatra Cowley-Pendleton said.
Hadiya was killed at the end of the month.
Cowley-Pendleton is calling for stricter penalties for gun offenders as well.
