Jamie Lee Curtis has paid tribute to a woman who was murdered after an altercation over a pride flag.
Laura Ann Carleton from Cedar Glen in California was shot and killed on Friday (August 18) following an argument with the gunman who allegedly took issue with a pride flag that was hanging outside of her store.
Police also confirmed that the suspected shooter, who has now been identified as 27-year-old Travis Ikeguchi, was killed at the scene after attempting to flee.
Speaking to CNN after learning about the tragic news, Laura's daughter Ari Carleton explained that the shop had repeatedly been targeted by bigots.
"She was so fearless, and any negative reaction she just powered through," she said before adding that her mom was a selfless ally for the community.
"I want to make sure that... we just focus on who she was as a person - just beautiful inside and out - and that we all move forward by preaching love and acceptance and equality in her honor," Ari added.
Since her death, tributes have been pouring in.
"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," wrote director Paul Feig on Instagram. "He ripped it down and when she confronted him about it he shot and killed her."
He continued: 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."
The director then emphasized that "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," he added before concluding: "Let’s all keep moving forward with tolerance and love. Let’s not let Lauri’s tragic death be in vain."
Many of Feig’s friends and followers also paid tribute under his post including Charlize Theron who described Laura's death as "heartbreaking," while Kate Flannery also added: "Paul! I’m so sorry for your loss. And I’m sorry for the state of the world."
One Tree Hill star Sophia Bush also commented, writing: "Truly heartbreaking" and US Timothy Omundson also paid his respects, saying: "It is so horrific that an expression of love and support for a marginalised community, should lead to such radicalized hatred and violence every shop in Arrowhead village should hang a pride flag to honor this brave wife and mother."
Jamie Lee Curtis also posted her own tribute to her Instagram alongside a snippet of a New York Times article dedicated to the late store owner.
"I feel deeply saddened by this. This is our country now and we can’t look away. Rest in peace Laura Ann Carleton, a mother of nine," the Everything Everywhere All at Once star wrote. "Thank you for your allyship. Thank you for your love. I’ll never forget you."
Our thoughts are with Laura's loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
