A disturbing act of violence outside Orville Bright Elementary School on Chicago’s Far South Side has sparked outrage across the community, with parents demanding swift action after a video showed a mother and her children being brutally attacked by a group of students. The incident, which occurred Monday afternoon in the South Deering neighborhood, has intensified concerns about student behavior and school safety. By Tuesday morning, dozens of parents had gathered outside the campus, calling for accountability, stronger discipline, and immediate measures to prevent further violence.
Chicago police reported that the assault happened shortly after 3 p.m. in the 10600 block of South Bensley Avenue. The victims, 33-year-old Carshawnda Hatter and her children, were walking home when they were approached by a large group of juveniles. Investigators say the group began repeatedly striking both the mother and her 9-year-old son during the unprovoked attack. Emergency responders transported Hatter and her son to Trinity Hospital, where they were listed in serious condition following the assault.
The widely circulated video, which has now been viewed millions of times on social media, shows Hatter walking with her two children as a crowd of students trails closely behind, shouting. Suddenly, several juveniles surround the family and begin punching both Hatter and her young son. The chaos escalates as Hatter is knocked to the ground. The footage has prompted widespread outrage from parents, community leaders, and social media users demanding that the students involved face serious consequences.
Speaking to supporters and reporters outside the school on Tuesday, Hatter described the terrifying moments leading up to the assault. “They were literally waiting along the route we walk home just to jump us,” she said. “I told my kids to walk on the other side of the street so we wouldn’t get jumped. They followed us the whole way… They hit my son first, and then they dragged me into the grass.” Her statement drew loud support from the crowd, many of whom said their own children have experienced similar bullying or intimidation.
Parents at the scene said the attack reflects a larger pattern of disruptive and threatening behavior among certain students. They expressed frustration with what they describe as a lack of meaningful intervention from school officials, noting that previous complaints have gone unanswered. “Some of these kids terrorize other families,” one parent said. “If my child behaved like this, I would address it immediately. We need accountability.”
Chicago police confirmed that the motive behind the attack remains under investigation and that no arrests had been made as of Tuesday afternoon. Chicago Public Schools has not yet issued an official statement regarding disciplinary actions or safety improvements. Parents say they will continue demanding change, insisting that no family should fear violence while simply walking home from school.
