A reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or people responsible for firebombing the front door of an African American family's home last week has jumped from $30,000 to $50,000.
Someone threw a burning tire through Ron Clinton's front door about 2:15 a.m. Wednesday in the 700 block of 11th Street, according to the Manhattan Beach Fire Department.
The flames destroyed part of the foyer. The smoke damaged everything else, Clinton said. His family made it out safely, but they are living in a hotel now and fear the case is a hate crime.
Fire investigators won't say they've uncovered evidence of a hate crime, but NBC4 has learned that they've met twice now, with investigators from the FBI and ATF.
Clinton, though, is convinced his family was targeted for the color of their skin.
"I don't have a message to that person. My message is to the people who have showed support," Clinton said.
Hundreds poured into the streets of Manhattan Beach last Friday to support the family.
Clinton and his wife admitted they thought about leaving Manhattan Beach. That changed after the overwhelming support they now know they have.
"I have to admit, initially, we considered it, but you know, this community is just too amazing for us to let one individual force us to leave," Clinton said.
