The reality of the damage President Joe Biden’s lax immigration policies have wrought on the nation was laid bare by one grieving mother.
Anne Fundner shared the personal, tragic, and emotional story of how she lost her young teenage son to poisoning by fentanyl and she brought many in the RNC audience to tears. The heartbroken mother stepped up to the microphone at the Republican National Convention Tuesday during the “Everyday Americans” portion of the night.
She leveled a scathing rebuke at Biden and his open border for the loss of her son and her impassioned speech moved those in the seats before her, including Republican nominees Donald Trump and JD Vance.
“I hold Joe Biden, Kamala Harris – the border czar, what a joke – Gavin Newsom and every Democrat who supports open borders responsible for the death of my son,” the California mother said of Weston, the eldest of her four children before he died.
“Like most teenagers, Weston wanted to fit in. And in a moment of peer pressure, he tried something that someone gave to him and it took my baby’s life,” she shared. “We did everything right. I had those conversations with him and fentanyl still found my son. And on February 27, 2022, our lives were shattered and our baby was gone.”
I have chills watching this beautiful mom, Anne Fundner, who lost her sweet child to fentanyl, speak at the RNC.
The love and support from the audience, the standing ovation is wonderful.
— Kayleigh McEnany (@kayleighmcenany) July 17, 2024
She condemned the current policies that allow a surge in fentanyl smuggling into the U.S. and held Democrats responsible, calling out the drug cartels as terrorist organizations.
“This was not an overdose, it was a poisoning,” Fundner said. “His whole future, everything we wanted for him, was ripped away in an instant, and Joe Biden does nothing.”
Her words, often delivered in a voice choked with tears, were met with equal sentiment from the audience and, at one point, a chant of “Weston! Weston!” brought the mother to an emotional break.
Her stirring short speech left an indelible imprint on the night and reactions poured in on social media.
My mama heart breaks for Anne Fundner and her family pic.twitter.com/hm2aKsbG3Y
— Jennifer Van Laar (@jenvanlaar) July 17, 2024
God bless you, Anne Fundner. This story is every parent’s nightmare. We must hold everyone accountable who propped our border open.
— Doc MFFL (@raccoonrocket_) July 17, 2024
I lost my only son to Fentanyl. This woman spoke for me. She brought me to tears…. and then hope for our children.
— The Truth Whisperer (@Fviacon) July 17, 2024
I cried so hard during her speech. My heart breaks for these families that got up there and spoke tonight. 💔
— ULTRA MAGA USAF BRAT (@USAF_Brat66) July 17, 2024