66-year-old Laura Carleton was shot and killed following a dispute over her choice to display a rainbow Pride flag outside her business. Image: Ezequiel Campos via Pexels
66-year-old Laura Carleton was shot and killed following a dispute over her choice to display a rainbow Pride flag outside her business.
Carleton was discovered on the floor of her Mag Pi store in Cedar Glen, California, with a bullet wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect, reportedly armed with a handgun, fled the scene on foot and was found nearby by police, where he was shot and killed.
Police officials said that “a lethal force encounter occurred and the suspect was pronounced deceased”.
Police said that the man had made “disparaging remarks” about the flag prior to the incident.
Local group Lake Arrowhead LGBT made a public statement on Instagram mourning the loss of Carleton, who was considered an ally to the LGBTQ community.
“Today was a very sad day for Lake Arrowhead and for the LGBTQ community. Our friend and supporter Lauri Carleton @magpi_shop was murdered defending her lgbtq+ Pride flags in front of her store in Cedar Glen California,” the post reads.
“Lauri did not identify as LGBTQ+, but spent her time helping & advocating for everyone in the community. She will be truly missed. From what we understand the suspect is no longer a threat.”
Hollywood director Paul Fieg, a close friend of Carleton’s, also made a post speaking about her tragic death.
“Our wonderful friend Lauri Carlton […] was murdered yesterday in her store @magpi_shop in Lake Arrowhead by a 27 year old man who didn’t like that she had a large pride flag hanging outside of her shop,” said Fieg.
“He ripped it down and when she confronted him about it he shot and killed her.”
He further went on to express sympathy for her husband, her family, and the LGBTQ+ community.
“But this intolerance has to end. Anyone using hateful language against the LGBTQ+ community has to realize their words matter, that their words can inspire violence against innocent loving people.”
“Let’s all keep moving forward with tolerance and love. Let’s not let Lauri’s tragic death be in vain.”
