I disagree- I think such an incident is the equvilent of a terrorist act- the purpose is intimidate and frighten others like these girls from coming into "their" neighborhood. This is an act against society, as well as the girls themselves, and it should be punished as such.
I don't think the girls were necessarily in their neighborhood, but possibly vis-versa. Long Beach is surrounded by some pretty rough areas (and some very good areas).. like so much in the LA basin these days.