Director Paul Feig Speaks Out After His Friend Laura Ann Carleton Was Shot & Killed for Displaying a Pride Flag at Her Shop

Paul Feig is speaking out after a devastating murder.

The 60-year-old Bridesmaids and The Office director issued a statement following the death of shop owner and mother of nine Laura Ann Carleton, who was shot and killed by a man who confronted her for displaying a Pride flag.

“Our wonderful friend Lauri Carlton (seen in this picture) was murdered yesterday in her store @magpi_shop in Lake Arrowhead by a 27 year old man who didn’t like that she had a large pride flag hanging outside of her shop,” he wrote.

“He ripped it down and when she confronted him about it he shot and killed her.”

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“We are all devastated for her husband Bort and her family and the LGBTQ+ community, for whom Lauri was such a true ally. Her alleged murderer was later shot and killed by the San Bernardino police and so no longer poses a threat to the community. But this intolerance has to end. Anyone using hateful language against the LGBTQ+ community has to realize their words matter, that their words can inspire violence against innocent loving people. Let’s all keep moving forward with tolerance and love. Let’s not let Lauri’s tragic death be in vain”

The San Bernardino County Sheriff said cops arrived at her shop to find her suffering from a gunshot wound, with paramedics later pronouncing her dead at the scene, via TMZ.

“Through further investigation, detectives learned the suspect made several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag that stood outside the store before shooting Carleton,” the news release said.

The man who allegedly killed her was shot dead by police after the incident. San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe called it a “senseless act of hate and violence.”

Bridget Everett also spoke out on Instagram, writing: Lauri Carleton was shot and killed at her Lake Arrowhead store this weekend. Someone tore down the Pride flag she flew outside of her store, Magpi. She confronted him and he shot her. In the past, when someone took down her flag or vandalized it, she’d put up another one. The last time I saw Lauri was, oddly enough, at Lake Arrowhead pride both in the parade and then at a party. All that anti-LGBTQ rhetoric has a price. And now, Lauri’s husband Bort, her daughters, friends and community are devastated. And for what?”

Our thoughts are with Laura Ann Carleton‘s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.