A shopkeeper was shot dead by a man who reportedly made a “disparaging remark” about the Pride flag she was flying outside of her California business.
Laura Ann Carleton was found with a bullet wound at her Mag Pi shop in Cedar Glen, California, on Friday. Police say the suspect fled the scene on foot but was later shot by officers when he was found nearby, allegedly still armed.
Carleton, 66, was described by Hollywood director Paul Feig as a “wonderful friend”. Feig, best known for directing films such as Bridesmaids, shared a picture with Carleton on Instagram.
Police say the suspect made a “disparaging remark” about the rainbow flag flown outside the store before shooting his victim. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department says officers located the suspect armed with a handgun. It was then a “lethal force encounter occured and the suspect was pronounced dead”.
Director Feig said his friend had been shot after confronting the suspect after he tore down the flag. In an Instagram post, he said he was “devastated” for Carleton’s family and the LGBTQ+ community, “for whom Lauri was such a true ally”.
He closed the post writing: “This intolerance has to end. Anyone using hateful language against the LGBTQ+ community has to realise their words matter, that their words can inspire violence against innocent loving people.”
Local community group Lake Arrowhead LGBT also paid tribute to Carleton. The group said it marked a “very sad day” and that a “friend and supporter” would be “truly missed”.
On Instagram, the group wrote Carleton was “murdered defending her LGBTQ+ Pride flags in front of her store”. It added: “Lauri did not identify as LGBTQ+, but spent her time helping & advocating for everyone in the community.”
