'Bridesmaids' director pays tribute to California store owner shot and killed over Pride flag

"Bridesmaids" and "Ghostbusters" director Paul Feig shared a heartfelt message after the death of Laura Ann Carleton, who authorities say was shot and killed over the rainbow Pride flag hanging in her California clothing boutique.

Feig, 60, called Carleton a “wonderful friend" and a "true ally" after a gunman entered the store, Mag.Pi, Friday in Lake Arrowhead. Authorities say the man made disparaging comments about the Pride flag hanging there.

“We are all devastated for her husband Bort and her family and the LGBTQ+ community, for whom Lauri was such a true ally,” Feig wrote.

“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,” Feig continued.

According to Mag.Pi’s website, Carleton was married to the same man for 28 years and a mother of nine.

The gunman was killed in a lethal encounter with law enforcement, officials said. An investigation continues.

Many took to the Instagram comment section of Carleton's store to express condolences and shock at the violence.

Mountain Provisions Cooperative, a local grocery store, praised Carleton as a pillar in the community: “Lauri and her husband Bort were pivotal in organizing our Free Store which provided free food and supplies for 4 months after the blizzard,” they wrote in a statement.

She was “an immovable force in her values for equality, love, and justice. If you knew Lauri you know she loved hard, laughed often, and nurtured and protected those she cared about,” it added.

“Fly your flags in honor of Lauri 🏳️‍🌈 love will prevail.”

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com