CHICAGO — A mother in Chicago has shared her profound emotional and physical pain after being violently attacked while walking her children home from school. Corshawnda Hatter, who has sickle cell disease, described the emotional toll of the assault, saying it was unlike any suffering she had previously experienced.
The incident unfolded on Monday as Hatter and her two children left Bright Elementary School. Hatter has been vocal about her concerns regarding bullying directed at her son, stating that she had reported the issue to school officials for two years. She alleged that older students would often follow her son home, but she claims her complaints fell on deaf ears.
Hatter recounted, “For two years, and they have not done a thing. They see me coming, and they run or send security to say they’re not there.” This neglect is compounded by the trauma her family now faces. A video of the attack has circulated widely on social media, showing Hatter being punched and subsequently falling to the ground as the violence escalated. Due to the graphic nature of the footage, further details are not being disclosed.
Following the assault, both Hatter and her 9-year-old son were hospitalized, suffering serious injuries. Hatter’s partner, DeVon Lee Sr., expressed his frustrations over the incident, voicing that he believes if he had been present, the attack might never have occurred. He shared his desire for accountability from the school and the families of those involved in the assault.
“I want justice. I want the school to be responsible, as well as the parents and the kids who participated in this,” he said, lamenting the impact on his family. Hatter described how her children have been affected by the traumatic experience, saying her son wakes up at night calling for her. Meanwhile, Lee admitted that he struggles to sleep as images of the incident replay in his mind.
City officials are now working to provide additional support for Hatter’s family and others in the community. In response to the violence, a donation box has been set up at a local market to collect clothes and toys for those in need. Community members have also rallied in front of Bright Elementary in support of Hatter and her children.
Amid her suffering, Hatter expressed gratitude for the outpouring of community support, stating, “I never felt this much love in the world.” As the investigation continues, many are urging the school to take more active measures to combat bullying and protect students.