Community Outrage After Mother and Son Attacked Outside Chicago School

In a shocking incident that has sent ripples of fear and concern through a Chicago neighborhood, a mother and her young son were brutally attacked by a group of children and teens outside Orville Bright Elementary School. The heart-wrenching video of the assault, which surfaced online, has not only sparked outrage but also a broader conversation about the safety and well-being of families in local communities.

The Incident Unfolds

At approximately 3 PM, 33-year-old Corshawnda Hatter was walking home with her son and daughter when they were confronted by a group of offenders described in a police report as youths, who approached and struck the family multiple times. According to Hatter, the violence was rooted in ongoing bullying that her son had been facing at the school. The aftermath of the attack left both Hatter and her 9-year-old son requiring medical attention for their injuries, described as “serious.”

A Mother’s Pain

Emotional and shaken, Hatter shared her traumatic experience on social media. “I’m so drained and emotional—I had to watch my son get slammed to the ground while they were banging my son’s head into the concrete,” she recounted. Her post revealed the depth of her anguish, stating, “I feel like I failed my kids, but also didn’t wanna put my hands on a minor.” The image of her son calling for help remains a painful memory that haunts her, showcasing the emotional toll the incident has had on both her and her family.

Community Response

The community has rallied around Hatter and her family in the wake of this incident. Leaders from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) expressed their horror at the attack, emphasizing their commitment to safety for students and families alike. A spokesperson indicated that the district is horrified and working diligently to address the situation while prioritizing the well-being of their community.

Prominent figures, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and State Senator Willie Preston, have called attention to the incident. “No mother should be that helpless,” remarked Senator Preston, highlighting the unacceptable nature of such violence occurring in one’s neighborhood. Mayor Johnson echoed this sentiment, asserting that such behavior is intolerable and calling for collective action to address the underlying issues.

Investigative Efforts

In response to the attack, CPS is collaborating with the Chicago Police Department and other local agencies to provide support for Hatter’s family. There is an ongoing investigation to identify the attackers and ensure accountability for their actions. The district has stated that they are committed to creating safe environments for the young children in their care, and community input will be a vital part of the process.

An Ongoing Issue

This incident is not an isolated one. Residents in the neighborhood have expressed concerns regarding a pattern of behavior from the group of youths involved. Shanice Davis, a local resident, described a troubling environment where children, some seemingly unsupervised, exhibit destructive and aggressive behaviors, including harassment of both adults and other children. “They have pretty much been raising themselves, and they have not been held accountable,” she noted.

Healing and Moving Forward

As the community processes the aftermath of this traumatic event, there is a call for healing and support. Mayor Johnson expressed gratitude for the community’s solidarity, underscoring the importance of maintaining calm while a thorough investigation is conducted. The focus now shifts to ensuring that such violence does not become normalized and that families can feel safe walking in their own neighborhoods.

This incident serves as a wake-up call for communities grappling with issues not only of youth violence but also of accountability and parental oversight, prompting conversations that might lead to meaningful change moving forward.