Nothing wrong with setting the scene. Looking at these buildings you can think “Surely nothing could happen here that isn’t honorable and civilized.” Alas…
One of them defaced her sign, yes. But where is there evidence of a link between them and the firestarter? I can understand Lillian’s fear, of course, but they made no threats other than to “ban the bookseller”, which is very vague. They made no attempt to confront the counter-protesters. They stated their objections to the book in whole sentences. They listened to Lillian reading. This was not a violent mob.
This must depend on how often people clean their toilet seats and how often they wash their hands.