Chicago is fed up, y’all! Seven juveniles are now facing criminal charges after a truly disturbing attack on a mother and her kids near a Chicago Public Schools elementary school. This wasn’t just any incident; it was one of those viral moments that had folks stopping their scroll, sparking real outrage across the city.
We previously reported on the attack from November 17th, which took place on the Far South Side and was captured in a widely shared video on Facebook. In that footage, 33-year-old Corshawnda Hatter was seen being punched, then collapsing. Pure chaos followed. Both Corshawnda Hatter and her 9-year-old son ended up in the hospital in serious condition.
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Chicago police confirmed the charges: three 10-year-old boys, a 10-year-old girl, an 11-year-old girl, a 12-year-old boy, and a 13-year-old girl. All were charged with battery.
“All were referred for counseling services and were released from custody,” police stated, according to ABC7.
Let’s be clear: this didn’t just come out of nowhere. Hatter had been sounding the alarm for two years. She told school staff her son was being bullied. The problem didn’t stop at school, either. Sometimes, these kids would follow him all the way home.
“For two years, and they have not done a thing,” she shared. “They see me coming, they will run or tell security to tell me they are not there.”
That raw frustration — feeling ignored, brushed off, and left to fend for your own — hit a deep nerve with so many parents watching this story unfold.
After the video went viral, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) released a statement in November. They claimed, “Chicago Public Schools (CPS) prioritizes the safety and well being of our students, staff, and families, and we are committed to building a physically and emotionally safe teaching and learning environment in every school.”
The statement continued: “We are horrified by the attack on this family, and we are working collaboratively with City departments and agencies to provide support to the victims of the attack. CPS is coordinating closely with the Mayor’s Office, CPD, CHA, and other City departments to provide additional support to the family.”
They also mentioned that “School administrators, teachers, and support staff work with students to create an open environment where conflicts and grievances can be addressed. School leaders work with parents and all parties involved to find a resolution, adhering to the Student Code of Conduct (SCC) as they address any confirmed violations. In addition, it is always our goal for all members of our school communities, including staff, students, and parents, to work together proactively to maintain a safe and calm environment at our schools.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson also spoke out. He called the incident “unacceptable” and emphasized that this kind of violence simply cannot become the norm in Chicago.
“I was deeply disturbed to see the video of young people attacking a mother and her child on the Far South Side yesterday afternoon,” Mayor Johnson said. “That type of behavior is unacceptable in our city and we must not normalize that type of senseless violence. Leaders from my office have been on the ground all day to coordinate with CPS, CPD, and CHA to respond to this incident. CPD has deployed additional resources to the area to maintain public safety, and we are working with CHA on additional measures to support the family. We have also activated support from community-based organizations that focus on youth services and violence prevention to provide safe passage for students and families at this school. I will continue to monitor this situation closely as I get updates from the ground and as the investigation unfolds. It is critical that we provide the necessary resources to our public education system so that every school community has counselors and mental health professionals. We must redouble our efforts to teach our young people that violence is never an acceptable response. Our students and families should always feel safe on their way to and from school and we must make the critical investments necessary to make that a reality in every part of our city. I’m grateful for the community residents who have rallied to support the family and I am calling for calm as we conduct a full investigation and ensure there is accountability for the attackers and healing for the victims.”
For many in the community, these charges go beyond just punishing kids. They are about finally taking harm seriously, protecting families, and sending a clear message: mob violence, especially near schools, will not be brushed aside.
This entire situation didn’t just pop up overnight. It built up over time, simmering beneath the surface. And the response? Absolutely, it needed to happen too.
