Lake Arrowhead, California is reeling from the death of a local shop owner who was shot and killed after hanging an LGBTQ Pride flag outside her business over the weekend.
San Bernardino sheriff’s officials confirmed Monday that the suspect, 27-year-old Travis Ikeguchi, was angry over the flag display outside Laura (“Lauri”) Ann Carleton’s Mag.Pi store in Cedar Glen. He had shouted homophobic slurs at her before the killing. Authorities say he also posted anti-LGBTQ hate content on social media.
“Investigators determined that prior to the shooting the suspect tore down a Pride, or rainbow, flag that was hanging in front of the store and yelled many homophobic slurs toward Carleton,” according to Sheriff Shannon Dicus.
Carleton was not LGBTQ herself, but wished to express support for the gay and trans communities. Rumors that Ikeguchi was a relative of Carleton, which have been circulating on some conservative websites, are false. He was killed in a police shootout after her murder.
Gov. Gavin Newsom sent his condolences to the victim’s family, adding that "this disgusting hate has no place in CA."
San Bernardino Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe wrote the following:
"I stand with my mountain communities as we mourn this incredible loss. Everyone deserves to live free of hate and discrimination and practice their constitutional right of freedom of speech. Lauri was a remarkable member of the community and I send my deepest condolences to her family in this time of grief."
Carleton's murder comes at a time of increased hate and animosity toward the LGBTQ community and its allies. Right-wing activists have accused schools and other institutions of trying to "groom" young children into accepting a pro-LGBTQ agenda. These claims have led to disruptive and sometimes violent protests outside schools, bars, and libraries.
Carleton's death is being investigated as a possible hate crime.