A tragic incident unfolded in Chicago’s South Deering neighborhood on Monday afternoon, where a mother and her 9-year-old son were seriously injured during an attack by a group of children. The incident was captured in a viral video that has since circulated widely on social media.
According to police, the 33-year-old mother and her son were on their way home from school at approximately 3:10 p.m. when they were approached by a group who began to punch, stomp, and kick them. Both victims were quickly transported to Trinity Hospital, where they are currently listed in serious condition. As of now, no arrests have been made related to the attack.
Witnesses and family members report that the young boy had endured persistent bullying at Orville T. Bright Elementary School for over two years, a situation that the school administration allegedly failed to address adequately. Following the attack, a community rally ensued outside the school, where demonstrators called for justice, chanting “No justice. No peace.”
The victim, Corshawnda, recounted the horrifying incident, mentioning that her young daughter was also present during the attack. She expressed her gratitude for the community’s support and emphasized her determination to seek justice for her son.
Illinois State Senator Willie Preston attended the rally, stating that more needs to be done to hold both the children and their parents accountable for such violent behavior. He described the video of the attack as “disgusting” and indicative of a larger issue with bullying that has long persisted.
In a show of solidarity, Chicago-born rapper Lil Zay Osama reached out to the family, offering to fly them to Los Angeles for a supportive outing. He expressed his heartbreak over the incident, emphasizing that children should feel safe going to school and walking home.
The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) issued a statement during the ongoing investigation, reaffirming their commitment to the safety and well-being of their students and families. They have pledged collaboration with the city’s departments to support the victims and have voiced condemnation of the attack.
Mayor Brandon Johnson also condemned the violence, declaring such behavior unacceptable and vowing to monitor the situation closely. He highlighted the necessity of providing resources for mental health and counseling within the public education system, emphasizing the importance of teaching youth that violence is never a solution.
This incident has sparked reflection on community responsibility in preventing violence and ensuring a safe environment for children and families, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change in handling bullying and fostering a culture of respect and safety in schools. The outcry from the community serves as a hopeful reminder that collective action can lead to positive changes aimed at preventing future tragedies like this from occurring.