Photo: Corbis Documentary RF
A Chicago mother and her nine-year-old son were hospitalized after video showed them being beaten by a group of children and teens while walking near their elementary school, per NBC Chicago.
The assault unfolded on Monday (November 17) shortly after 3 p.m. just blocks from Orville Bright Elementary School on Chicago's Far South Side.
“A group of offenders approached and struck the victims multiple times,” Chicago police said.
The mother, Corshawnda Hatter, said the attack on her and her son stemmed from bullying at the school.
“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 said.
In a statement, Chicago Public Schools said it “prioritizes the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families” and is working with multiple city agencies to support the family. The district said school leaders follow the Student Code of Conduct in addressing confirmed violations and strive to maintain “a safe and calm environment.”
State and city officials condemned the attack, saying they were "deeply disturbed" after viewing video of the incident.
“No mother should be that helpless and be targeted by children inside of her own community.”State Sen. Willie Preston said in a statement.
That type of behavior is unacceptable in our city, and we must not normalize that type of senseless violence,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “We must redouble our efforts to teach our young people that violence is never an acceptable response.”
Chicago police said Monday's attack remains under investigation. Parents and community members are calling for charges to be pursued.
“The parents need to be held accountable,” community member Shanice Davis said. “Charges should be pressed, and these kids should be expelled from school.”
Watch video of the incident here.
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