In a tragic incident that unfolded in Cedar Glen, California, a US shop owner was fatally shot following a dispute over a Pride flag displayed outside her business. Laura Ann Carleton, 66, was discovered with a bullet wound at her shop named Mag Pi on a fateful Friday. The shocking turn of events took a darker twist when the suspected shooter, who fled the scene on foot, was later confronted by law enforcement and met his demise in an encounter.
The victim, described as a “wonderful friend” by Hollywood director Paul Feig, shared an image of their time together. According to reports, the suspect had made derogatory comments about the rainbow flag before resorting to violence. Tragically, Ms. Carleton succumbed to her injuries on-site.
Authorities swiftly tracked down the armed suspect, and a lethal force encounter ensued, resulting in the individual’s death, as reported by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department.
Paul Feig, acclaimed for his directorial works such as “Bridesmaids” and the TV series “Freaks and Geeks,” revealed that his friend had been shot after bravely confronting the assailant for vandalizing the flag. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he expressed his devastation for Ms. Carleton’s family and the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing the need for an end to such intolerance.
He stressed the profound impact of hateful language on the LGBTQ+ community, asserting that words can incite violence against innocent individuals. The local community, including the Lake Arrowhead LGBT group, mourned the loss of a cherished figure. They described Lauri Carleton as a “friend and supporter” and expressed sorrow for her demise.
The group further highlighted that despite not identifying as LGBTQ+, Ms. Carleton was dedicated to helping and advocating for the community. The incident stands as a somber reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized groups and the imperative to foster a more inclusive and accepting society.
As condolences pour in, the tragedy underscores the pressing need for unity and the cessation of harmful rhetoric that can lead to senseless acts of violence against those advocating for love and equality.
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