Washington, D.C., August 21, 2023 – This weekend, Laura Ann Carleton, a store owner and mother of nine children, was fatally shot in a hate-motivated attack for flying a Pride flag outside of her business. Brady, a national gun violence prevention organization, released the following statement:
Kris Brown, president of Brady, said:
“Laura Ann Carleton was murdered for displaying a symbol of unity and pride. This tragedy has robbed nine children of their mother, a community of an LGBTQ+ ally, and many of their dear friend.
“This senseless act is a devastating reminder that hate-driven violence and harassment are on the rise in our country, and in a nation with more guns than people, hate can quickly turn deadly. Sixty percent of anti-LGBTQ motivated homicides involve a firearm. The rise of hateful extremism only reinforces the dire need for a change in our gun laws. Pride shouldn’t put you in harm's way, but our nation’s weak gun laws tragically make that the case, every single day.
“With a heavy heart for Laura’s family and loved ones, we offer our deepest condolences.”
Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.
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