Laura Ann Carleton killed in potential hate crime over Pride flag

California shopkeeper killed after confrontation over LGBTQ+ pride flag. Suspect made disparaging remarks before shooting victim. Outpouring of support on social media.

In a tragic incident over the weekend, a California shopkeeper and clothing designer named Laura Ann Carleton was shot and killed after a confrontation with an individual who objected to her display of an LGBTQ+ pride flag. The incident took place at Carleton's Mag Pi shop in Cedar Glen, California.

According to authorities, Carleton, 66, was found with a bullet wound on Friday. The suspect, a male individual who has not been publicly identified, fled the scene on foot but was later found by the police. The suspect was allegedly armed and was subsequently killed by the police.

Prior to the shooting, the suspect made derogatory remarks about the rainbow flag, expressing his disapproval. Carleton confronted the suspect after he ripped down the flag outside her store, and moments later, she was shot.

Tragically, Carleton was pronounced dead at the scene. The San Bernardino Sheriff's Department released a statement confirming her death.

Carleton was a well-known figure in the community, as she owned and operated the Mag.Pi clothing store in Cedar Glen. The unincorporated community is located in the San Bernardino mountains, approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles. Her untimely death has sparked an outpouring of support and condolences on social media.

Director Paul Feig took to Twitter to express his grief and link Carleton's death to a larger issue of anti-LGBT backlash. He emphasized the dangers of anti-gay and trans rhetoric, stating that Carleton's tragedy serves as a stark reminder of these risks.

Interestingly, Carleton did not identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community herself. However, a nearby LGBTQ+ group in Lake Arrowhead revealed that she actively supported and advocated for the community. On the night of the shooting, Carleton was defending her Pride flags that were displayed in front of her shop.

The group described Carleton as a pillar in the community, highlighting her unwavering commitment to equality, love, and justice. They emphasized her loving and protective nature towards those she cared about.

This incident sheds light on the concerning trend of hate crimes targeting rainbow Pride flags. Law enforcement agencies in various states have been investigating such incidents in recent years. It is crucial to address and combat this form of hate and intolerance to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

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