Hundreds of people turned out in Metlox Plaza Friday night to support the Manhattan Beach family whose house was firebombed early Wednesday morning in a possible hate crime.
Neighbors organized the candlelight vigil for the Clinton family, whose father and children were asleep when a lit object, possibly a tire, was thrown on their porch and started a fire at their house on 11th Street at 2:15 a.m. on Feb. 4.
Community members held candles and crowded around the family as the sun set. Some held posters that said, “Manhattan Beach stands together.” State Assemblyman David Hadley, several city council members, Police Chief Eve Irvine and City Manager Mark Danaj attended the event.
“You belong and are supported,” said one neighbor. “Our love is like these lights that shine brightly upon you.”
Malissia Clinton, who was out of town when the attack occurred, expressed her appreciation to the community.
“When I learned of this in D.C., and I knew Ron and the kids were okay, and the dog was okay, I knew everything was going to be alright,” she said. “I have no fear because we have you.”
Ronald Clinton said the attack was “not who we are.”
“It’s not what we stand for,” he said as he stood on the ledge of the kiln in the plaza. “This is what we stand for. When it happens to one of us, it happens to us all.”
A friend noted that since a webpage had been started to raise money for a private investigation and reward seven hours earlier, $22,000 had been donated.
