A woman’s life has tragically been cut short all for displaying a pride flag at her shop.
The victim identified as Laura “Lauri” Ann Carleton was fatally shot by a man who made disparaging comments about a pride flag displayed at Mag. Pi, her clothing store located in California. San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies responded to the shop in Cedar Glen, Calif., at around 5 p.m. local time for reports of a shooting. While arriving at the scene, deputies discovered the 66-year-old suffering from a gunshot wound. Sadly Carleton was pronounced dead at the scene, the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.
The cowardly man ran away from the store after the shooting Friday night but was later found and killed following an intense confrontation with officers from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The suspect has since been identified as 27-year-old Travis Ikeguchi of Cedar Glen ran from police. “Deputies located the suspect near Torrey Road and Rause Rancho Road, armed with a handgun. When deputies attempted to contact the suspect, a lethal force encounter occurred and the suspect was pronounced deceased. No deputies were injured during the incident.”
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It was said that when people first ripped down the Pride flag hanging outside her store, Carleton simply got another and put it right back up. Friends who spoke with local news outlets said this happened multiple times in the two years since she opened the California store as a second outpost to her first location in Studio City.
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Many members and advocates of the LGBTQ community have reacted to the heartbreaking news online. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis said, “My hand in yours @alokvmenon. I feel deeply saddened by this,” her caption read. “This is our country now and we can’t look away. Rest in peace Laura Ann Carleton, a mother of nine. Thank you for your allyship. Thank you for your love. I’ll never forget you.” Californian Democratic House candidate Derek Marshall also paid tribute to slain shop owner Laura ‘Lauri’ Carleton who was also a fierce LGBTQ+ ally.
Marshall, who is running for California’s 23rd district, wrote that he had been a guest on Carleton’s boat for Lake Arrowhead’s Pride Boat Parade just earlier this year. “A while back, we discussed the blowback she received for flying the pride flag. She was committed to visibility as a part of changing the narrative around LGBTQIA+ rights and acceptance. She will be sorely missed, but certainly not forgotten.”
In addition to this, local residents, grappling with shock and disbelief, have united in solidarity to condemn this act of violence rooted in hatred and intolerance. Vigils and memorial services are being organized to honor the memory of the store owner and reaffirm the community’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all.
In the face of this tragedy, it is crucial that we use this moment to reflect on the importance of acceptance, compassion, and standing up against hate. The rainbow flag, a symbol of love and unity, should be respected as an expression of inclusivity and a reminder that diversity is what makes our communities stronger.