Store Owner in California Fatally Shot While Defending Her Beloved Pride Flag

Investigators have reported that a store owner in California was fatally shot on Friday after a man made derogatory comments about the rainbow Pride flags displayed outside her store. The victim, Laura “Lauri” Ann Carleton, 66, was shot outside her clothing store, Mag Pi, in Cedar Glen. The incident took place about 60 miles east of Los Angeles. Tragically, Carleton died at the scene. The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department stated that the suspect insulted the rainbow flag before shooting Carleton, as reported by KABC. The shooter, whose identity remains unknown, was found nearby and was armed with a handgun. Despite deputies’ requests to drop the weapon, the suspect refused, leading to a lethal force encounter resulting in his own death. Fortunately, no deputies were injured during the incident, according to ABC News.

San Bernardino County Supervisor, Dawn Rowe, condemned the act that claimed Carleton’s life as a “senseless act of hate and violence.” An LGBTQ+ organization in the area stated that Carleton was an ally of the LGBTQ+ community and was “murdered defending her LGBTQ+ Pride flags in front of her store.” Actress Bridget Everett, who shared a photo of herself with Carleton, revealed that people had previously removed or vandalized the Pride flags. However, Carleton would always put up another one, demonstrating her resilience and unwavering support, according to ABC. Renowned film director Paul Feig also expressed his grief, describing Carleton as a close friend who made significant contributions to both the LGBTQ+ community and the wider community. Carleton had previously worked for Kenneth Cole Productions for over 15 years before opening her own clothing store, as stated on her website. ABC further reports that Carleton had been married to the same man for 28 years and was the mother to a blended family of nine children. (Read more murder stories.)