Fatality Ensues as Store Owner is Shot for Displaying Pride Flag at her California Shop

A tragic incident unfolded this weekend in California as a dispute revolving around an LGBTQ+ pride flag at a local clothing store escalated into a fatal act of violence. The 66-year-old proprietor of the establishment was shot and killed by a man right in front of her store, according to reports from authorities.

Following the shooting on Friday evening, the assailant fled the scene but was subsequently located and fatally engaged by officers belonging to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

The victim, identified as Laura Ann Carleton, met her demise at her own store, Mag.Pi, located in Cedar Glen, where she was dedicated to its operations. Cedar Glen, a small community nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, lies approximately 60 miles (96 kilometers) to the east of downtown Los Angeles.

In the lead-up to the tragedy, the man in question had reportedly made derogatory statements directed at a rainbow flag prominently displayed outside the store, as stated by the sheriff’s officials.

Details surrounding the circumstances of the man’s confrontation with the officers remained uncertain at the time of reporting, and his identity had yet to be disclosed by Sunday.

Laura Ann Carleton, also known by the name “Lauri,” leaves behind her spouse and a blended family of nine children.

Though not personally identifying as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Carleton was remembered by a nearby LGBTQ group in Lake Arrowhead for her dedication to assisting and advocating for all individuals. The group highlighted that she was defending the Pride flags positioned outside her store on the night of the tragic incident.

The weekend saw an overwhelming show of support on various social media platforms, with users expressing their shock and sorrow on the store’s profiles, often accompanying their messages with rainbow flag emojis.

Over the past few years, law enforcement agencies in multiple states have initiated investigations into instances of rainbow Pride flags being destroyed, considering them as potential hate crimes.

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