Editor’s Note: Portions of the video related to this incident may be disturbing to some viewers.

CHICAGO — Anger and concern are mounting across Chicago’s Far South Side after a disturbing video circulated widely on social media showing a mother and her children being violently attacked by a group of students as they walked home from Orville Bright Elementary School on Monday afternoon.

The footage, which has been viewed millions of times, sparked immediate outrage among parents, community members, and local leaders. By Tuesday morning, dozens of people gathered outside the school demanding accountability, with many calling for severe disciplinary action, including expulsion, for the students involved. Several parents said that while the incident was shocking, it was not entirely unexpected given ongoing issues with bullying and violence in the area.

The attack left 33-year-old Chicago resident Corshawnda Hatter and her 9-year-old son hospitalized at Trinity Hospital in serious condition. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson described the incident as “absolutely gut-wrenching” and “appalling,” emphasizing that such violence should never be tolerated, especially when it involves children and families on their way home from school.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) confirmed it is working closely with city agencies to support Hatter and her children. However, CPS has not yet disclosed what disciplinary consequences the students involved may face. Police have stated that the exact cause of the attack remains under investigation, and as of now, no arrests have been made. Authorities added that a continued police presence will remain outside the school for the rest of the week to help ensure safety.

‘Trying to Get Justice’

According to Chicago police, the incident occurred shortly after 3 p.m. in the 10600 block of South Bensley Avenue in the South Deering neighborhood. Officers said Hatter and her children were walking along the sidewalk when a group of young offenders approached them and began striking them repeatedly.

In the viral video, Hatter and her two children are seen walking together as several students follow closely behind, yelling and surrounding them. Moments later, two of the students begin physically attacking the family. Hatter is eventually knocked to the ground while her children are assaulted. Due to the graphic nature of the footage, WGN-TV has chosen not to air the video in full.

Hatter told reporters that the attack appeared to be deliberate. She said the group of students seemed to be waiting for them along their usual route home.

“They were literally waiting where we walk every day, just to jump all of us,” Hatter said Tuesday morning while surrounded by supporters outside the school. “I tried to cross the street with my kids so they wouldn’t get attacked, but they followed us anyway. They hit my son first, and then they dragged me into the grass and pulled my baby’s hair out.”

Later that morning, Hatter and her family met with school administrators and city officials to discuss the incident. Police escorted her into the building as a large crowd of supporters gathered nearby, chanting and calling for justice.

State Senator Willie Preston, who attended the meeting, said the family is deeply traumatized. While he did not share specific details from the discussion, he emphasized that existing anti-bullying policies may not be enough.

“We’ve written every anti-bullying policy imaginable,” Preston said. “But if those policies aren’t working, then it’s clear we need stronger solutions and more serious intervention.”

Mayor Johnson echoed those concerns, stating that while accountability is necessary, the broader issue of youth violence must also be addressed.

“We absolutely want accountability for everyone involved in this brutal attack,” Johnson said. “But it’s also deeply disturbing to see children carrying out this level of violence. That tells us there is a bigger issue here that requires intervention, support, and prevention.”

Hatter said this was not the first time her child had experienced bullying at the school, but she hopes it will be the last.

“I’m just trying to get justice for my son,” she said.

One supporter standing nearby responded, “And you deserve it.”

Broader Community Concerns

Hatter is not the only parent expressing fear and frustration. Other parents gathered outside the school said aggressive behavior by some students has been an ongoing issue in the community.

“This has been happening for a long time,” one parent said. “Some parents don’t hold their kids accountable. If my child was causing problems like this, I would step in immediately and put a stop to it.”

In a written statement, CPS said it is “horrified” by the attack and reaffirmed its commitment to student and family safety. The district said it is coordinating with the Mayor’s Office, Chicago Police Department, Chicago Housing Authority, and other city agencies to provide resources and support to the family.

CPS added that school administrators and staff are expected to work with students and parents to address conflicts, enforce the Student Code of Conduct, and create an environment where concerns can be resolved before they escalate into violence.

Mayor Johnson also addressed the incident on social media, saying he was deeply disturbed by the video and stressing that violence must never be normalized. He confirmed that additional police resources have been deployed, community organizations focused on youth services and violence prevention have been activated, and safe-passage measures are being implemented for students and families.

Johnson concluded by calling for increased investment in public education, including more counselors and mental health professionals, to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

“Our students and families deserve to feel safe traveling to and from school,” he said. “We must ensure accountability for the attackers and healing for the victims, while working together as a community to prevent this from ever happening again.”