A California store owner was shot and killed over a Pride flag displayed at her shop
A Southern California business owner was shot and killed Friday by a man who objected to an LGBTQ+ Pride flag displayed at her clothing store, officials said.
San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies responded to the Mag.Pi clothing store in Cedar Glen, Calif., at around 5 p.m. local time for reports of a shooting.
Deputies discovered the victim, 66-year-old Laura Ann Carleton, suffering from a gunshot wound. Carleton was pronounced dead at the scene, the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department said in a news release.
The suspect, who was not identified by officials, fled the scene on foot.
According to deputies, the man made "several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag" that stood outside Carleton's store before ultimately shooting her.
Deputies were later able to locate the armed suspect, who was confronted by deputies and was killed in "a lethal force encounter," authorities said. No deputies were injured.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department says an investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
The most disturbing story I read yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI mourn the loss of this woman I did not know.
I am angry the murderer was also killed, a lifetime in prison would have been more appropriate.
I weep for the husband of 28 years and the 9 children who try to make sense of a senseless act of violence that will impact their lives forever.
I feel empathy for a community that loved this woman and valued her friendship.
I understand more than ever that hateful rhetoric has deadly consequences.
I wonder who will be next: my neighbor who wears his rainbow t-shirt often, me who chooses to wear my rainbow Adidas shoes on occasion, the owners of my local gay bar who also display our Pride flag at their door, any of us at any Pride event.
I question whether any of the people who are spewing this disparaging speech and passing these harmful laws that separate instead of unite can be silenced.
And why?
All because of a piece of cloth, a colorful symbol of unity and acceptance that is misunderstood, misinterpreted, maligned by people in power who use it to stir up the rage, hate and anger in their tribe that ultimately leads to loss of life.
And why? I don't know. I only know I don't want to be living in this country for much longer. I don't want to read about these daily occurrences that kill my spirit to live and to love. I am left bereft and mourn for all of us.
It IS happening. Thanks to the rhetoric of tRUMP, DUH Santis, and their followers. They are coming for YOU.
ReplyDeleteWe need to get rid of these lowlifes.
I like calling him DeSanctimony
DeleteMilleson - They are a tribe of savages.
ReplyDeleteAny surprise that this tragedy happened in House Majority Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s congressional district? Has he issued any comment regarding this hate crime?
ReplyDeleteAnon@3:01pm - I'm not aware of any comment from him.
ReplyDeleteanon 3:01 -McCarthy is too busy increasing his political profile, lining his pockets and could care less. His congressional district is a mess because he only thinks of himself and his cronies. The silver lining is this part of California is becoming bluer.
ReplyDelete