A group of teenagers assaulted three U.S. Marines at a beach in California on Friday, as reported by the police.
Hunter Antonino, one of the victims, stated that the teenagers were behaving aggressively and lighting firecrackers at the San Clemente Pier Bowl beach area. When Antonino asked them to stop, he was hit in the head with debris, and the fight began.
Videos of the incident showed a large group of teenagers assaulting the Marines, with one teenager throwing a punch from behind one of the victims, initiating the brawl. Two victims were left on the ground in the fetal position while the teens punched and kicked them before two other adults intervened and broke up the crowd.
Sgt. Mike Woodroof of the Orange County Sheriff's Office stated that they are working to identify the teens involved in the attack. The Marines were treated for injuries at the scene but refused additional treatment at a hospital. The department has stated that it is increasing patrols in the area and will continue investigating the matter until all individuals responsible are identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan expressed his disappointment, saying, "Look, this is San Clemente, Marines are always welcome here, always gonna be celebrated, always be taken care of. And that's why this is so particularly tragic." The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Marines in the area and has sparked outrage among the community.
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