A 33-year-old woman and her 9-year-old son have been hospitalized after a brutal attack by a group of children on Chicago’s South Side. The attack happened on Monday afternoon near Orville T. Bright Elementary School,  just after school dismissal time, ABC7 News reports. 

In viral video footage of the incident, the mother is brutally beaten and, at one point, falls to the ground, where the assault intensifies. It’s difficult to watch.

In fact, the footage is so graphic that many news organizations refuse to show the video in its entirety, out of respect to the victims.

The mother and child were transported to Trinity Hospital and listed in serious condition.​

“It's just awful. Absolutely, just gut-wrenching. It's appalling," Mayor Brandon Johnson said at a news conference on Tuesday. "By far, the most difficult video that I've ever watched. The pain and the suffering that that family endured was quite horrific."  

Family members and other parents at the school claim the 9-year-old had endured bullying for two years, and that the confrontation escalated on Monday as the mother and son walked home. It’s unclear what exactly provoked the attack.

Several witnesses and relatives voiced frustration, alleging a lack of adequate intervention from the school and highlighting ongoing tensions between students in the area.​

Crowds gathered outside the school, demanding accountability and improved safety measures. The city has since acted to relocate the family for their security.

The mayor continued, "There's also something very disturbing about children carrying out such a violent act, that there's clearly a need for some intervention there, as well."

Chicago Public Schools stated that they are working with local authorities, CPD, the Chicago Housing Authority, and city officials to support the victims and bolster safety around the campus. 

No arrests have been made as the investigation is ongoing.

"The focal point is, support the family and community. We got to make sure things like this don't happen again," Chicago Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood said, reports ABC7.