HAMILTON, Ohio -- Residents in a local community were outraged after a 9-year-old girl was raped this week. Vigilantes set fire to the house where the alleged rape took place and residents said when a Hispanic suspect was named, racial tensions became higher than ever.

Because of the rape and the high tension, other Hispanics said they are afraid to leave their homes. They said they are afraid of being attacked, News 5's Brian Hamrick reported.

"Now, all the Mexicans are getting blamed because of this incident," said Pablo Ramirez, an area resident. "It's sort of like racism."

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That's why a few dozen people showed up to participate in a short walk to a neighborhood church near Sycamore Street. Organizers called the ½-mile walk a march for peace.

"I think it's a beginning. I think it's how we begin to heal," said Sapha Amen, a participant. "We will continue to do these types of activities so that we can show our support for the community."

"Now is the time for us all to pull together," said Kaye Waldo, a march organizer. "I know that it's hurt the Hispanic people as much as it has anybody else."

"This is about just bringing the community together -- unification," said the Rev. Josh Colon. "We heard about what happened and we all got together and wanted to unify the community."

Those who walked in the heat hoped to cool the emotions, but not all residents said they felt the message of unity.

The victim's father is reacting to the march by questioning the motivation of the organizers.

"I can understand them being scared because of everything that's been going on around here," he said. "But they're marching tonight because they're scared. They're not marching because my daughter's scared."

He said he feels that his daughter has been forgotten.

"What about my daughter? She's afraid to come home. That's how scared she is, but I don't see no one marching for her," he said.

By the time the march for peace was over, it wasn't as peaceful as some had hoped.

Stay tuned to News 5 at 11 p.m. for additional information.