Store owner who displayed a rainbow Pride flag in a store is shot and killed

Laura Ann Carlton, 66, died at the scene after Friday night shooting

Shop owner over Pride's rainbow flag was shot dead in dispute , posted outside her clothing store 60 miles from Los Angeles.

Laura Ann Carlton, 66, died at the scene following the incident Friday night.

According to police, the she was attacked by a man who opened fire after making disparaging remarks about the rainbow flag.

San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Deakus named the shooter 27-year-old Travis Ikeguchi. He was armed with a gun, fled and was later shot dead by police.

Mrs. Carlton Ari's daughter posted a tribute on social media, writing: «As many of you know, our beautiful mother was taken from us in a senseless act of violence on Friday, August 18th. her showcase. Make no mistake, this was a hate crime.

“Her flags have been torn down before, and she always raised a bigger flag in response. Our family is broken. We have a long way to go as we navigate this new reality without our loving matriarch.”

The murder of Ms. Carlton, known to her friends as Lowry, has stunned the small community of Cedar Glen. about 500 people in the San Bernardino Mountains and drew tributes to leading figures in show business.

Paul Feig, a Hollywood director, described her as «a wonderful person who has done so much for LGBTQ people.» communities, as well as society as a whole.”

“Lauri Carlton was my friend,” he said. “What happened to her is an absolute tragedy. If people don't think anti-gay and transgender rhetoric isn't dangerous, think again.”

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Posted by Paul Feig (@paulfeig)

Sex and the City star Kristin Davis said: «I can't figure out what happened and I can only imagine what it's been like her family and close friends are passing by.

“We cannot rest in our work to achieve love, understanding and equality for every person. It is clear that the only motive for this hate crime is divisive, senseless hatred.”

Mrs. Carlton lived with her 28-year-old husband, Bort, and their nine children in the family home.

The couple owned property in Studio City, Los Angeles, and a restored fishing cabin on Lake Arrowhead, close to their store mag.pi in Cedar Glen. She also owned another property in downtown Los Angeles.

The Cedar Glen store was one of two she managed, the other being in Los Angeles. She has spent most of her professional life working for Kenneth Cole, a leading designer, and often traveled overseas for work.

But her apparent support for the growing number of LGBT people+ community generates some local animosity, Wesley Lynn, friend & LGBTQ+ activist,” told The Telegraph.

“She used to get comments and things like that. People tear down her flag, and she puts up a bigger one. She talked about it a lot,” said Mrs. Lynn.

“We are an hour and a half from Los Angeles, in the mountains. This is an upscale private lakeside community,” she added. “My husband and I moved here from Palm Springs and tried to get a group of people together. We had gay pride on a boat; we didn't think anyone would show up. There were 67 boats. It has become a thriving LGBT community.»

Matthew Clevenger, Mrs. Lynn's husband, added: «We have the largest private lake in California and it was very exclusive.»

“ It has traditionally been a conservative Republican area and the demographic changes have caused some backlash. There are people who do not like change.”