Denver, CO – One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) Coloradans and their families, released the following statements:

“We are heartbroken for the Carleton family, their friends and loved ones, and for the LGBTQ+ community in Cedar Glen, California. One Colorado and LGBTQ+ Coloradans stand in solidarity with you and are holding you close to our hearts, said Nadine Bridges, MSW (she, her, hers), One Colorado Executive Director. “Lauri's murder is a direct reminder that our fight for equality, justice, and acceptance is far from over. We cannot afford to be silent when faced with hate and violence. We must demand justice for the lives that have been lost because of the anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric in our country. We must seek accountability from those who fuel this type of hatred and violence! We must continue to live our lives proudly and freely.  We will continue to fly our flags, march in the streets, celebrate our lives, and vote. Because a person’s pursuit of happiness and right of expression is not cause for murder in America. Rest in power, Laura ‘Lauri’ Ann Carleton.”

On August 20th, AP News reported Lauri was a longtime ally of the LGBTQ+ community and “spent time health and advocating for everyone, and was defending her Pride flags placed in front of her shop on the night of the shooting.”