Public outrage is mounting in Chicago after a shocking video went viral showing a mother and her young son being violently assaulted by a group of schoolchildren.
A Mother's Harrowing Ordeal
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, just after 3 p.m., only a few blocks from Orville T. Bright Elementary School on Chicago's Far South Side. Corshawnda Hatter, 33, was walking with her nine-year-old son and her young daughter when they were targeted.
Disturbing footage of the attack, which has since circulated widely online, shows the young boy clinging to his mother as they are repeatedly hit, kicked, and shoved by several youths. In a statement to the press, Hatter described her desperate attempt to protect her children. "I asked my kids to come to the next side of the street with me so they wouldn't get jumped, so we kept walking," Hatter said. "They followed us all the way there, they hit my son first, dragged me in the grass and pulled my baby's hair."
Serious Injuries and Community Backlash
The Chicago Police Department confirmed that a 33-year-old woman and a nine-year-old boy were struck "multiple times" near the school. Both victims were transported to a local hospital in "serious condition." As of Wednesday afternoon, the police investigation is ongoing, and no suspects are in custody.
The attack has provoked a strong response from the community and city officials. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson stated he was "deeply disturbed" after viewing the video and called for accountability, writing on X that such "senseless violence" is unacceptable. In response, community members held a rally outside the elementary school on Tuesday to demand justice for the Hatter family.
Roots in School Bullying
Speaking at the rally, Corshawnda Hatter revealed that the violent encounter stemmed from ongoing bullying at the elementary school. The emotional impact of the event has been severe. "I can't sleep because I wake up in the middle of the night with that vision in my head of my son calling my name to help him and I couldn't do nothing for him," Hatter told reporters. "That really hurt me the most."
Illinois State Senator Willie Preston also condemned the assault, stating, "No mother should be that helpless and be targeted by children inside of her own community." In a formal statement, Chicago Public Schools officials said they were "horrified" by the incident and are cooperating with local authorities to support the family, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all students and parents.
