Nationwide — Carshawnda Hatter, an African American mother from Chicago, Illinois, and her 9-year-old son were violently attacked by a group of children while walking home from school, leaving both injured and sparking widespread outrage online. Some parents of the children involved are now defending their kids amid criticism.
The assault, captured in a viral video, showed Hatter and her son being beaten by several school-aged children near Orville Bright Elementary on Chicago’s South Side. Both victims suffered injuries serious enough to require hospital treatment.
No arrests have been made so far, but the community rallied behind Hatter and her family. Protesters gathered outside the homes of the alleged attackers, demanding accountability from both the minors and their parents.
Some parents, however, responded on social media, according to Atlanta Black Star. One mother shared her daughter’s tearful apology, asking viewers to respect her child’s privacy. “I was wrong for everything. I’m a different person than that,” the girl said. Not everyone accepted the apology, criticizing the mother’s limited public response.
Another parent defended her child online, saying she acted under peer pressure and that the family only owes Hatter and her son an apology. She pointed to her daughter’s achievements, noting she is an “A/B student” and “Captain of the Cheerleading Team.” Social media users quickly pushed back, saying academic success doesn’t excuse violent behavior.
Local rapper Lil Zay Osama offered support by treating Hatter and her children to a holiday shopping trip and dinner. Chicago Public Schools expressed being “deeply horrified” by the attack and is coordinating with city agencies to support the victims. Mayor Brandon Johnson called the violence unacceptable and confirmed extra public safety measures in the area.
Authorities and community organizations continue to monitor the situation, focusing on youth support and preventing further incidents.