Kash Patel, the Director of the Foreign Bureau of Investigation (FBI), fired an employee for displaying a Pride flag in his workplace. The employee was undergoing new agent training at the FBI’s academy in Quantico, Virginia. He received a letter from Patel ordering his immediate dismissal. The employee, during his non-agent role, received several awards for service during his career, had also been a field office diversity program coordinator, and displayed a Pride flag at his workstation.&nbsp;Patel did not specify the reason in the notification of his firing, but he said he agent trainee being summarily dismissed for past “poor judgment” and “an inappropriate display of political signage,” sources told CNN.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chevron-el-segundo-refinery-fire-los-angeles-2025-1759477525735">Massive fire erupts at Chevron refinery near Los Angeles; no injuries reported</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, FBI veterans told CNN that displaying the pride flag at one's desk would not violate any past FBI policy. But this happened due to US President Donald Trump's ideology of getting rid of "Woke" ideology.&nbsp;The firing comes less than a week after Patel fired over a dozen other FBI employees who took a knee while conducting crowd control in 2020 after being confronted by a group of demonstrators in the nation’s capital.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/manchester-attack-uk-police-killed-one-of-three-victims-admits-chief-constable-1759490511532">Manchester attack: UK Police killed one of three victims, admits chief constable</a>&nbsp;“After reviewing the facts and circumstances and considering your probationary status, I have determined that you exercised poor judgment with an inappropriate display of political signage in your work area during your previous assignment in the Los Angeles Field Office," Patel wrote, without specifically referencing the pride flag.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-10-countries-uranium-reserves-2023-1759474943170">Global Uranium reserves: Top 10 countries with the largest Uranium reserves</a>&nbsp;"You are being summarily dismissed from your position as a New Agent Trainee at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and removed from the federal service," the letter added.

Patel did not specify the reason in the notification of his firing, but he said he agent trainee being summarily dismissed for past poor judgment and an inappropriate display of political signage.



Kash Patel, the Director of the Foreign Bureau of Investigation (FBI), fired an employee for displaying a Pride flag in his workplace. The employee was undergoing new agent training at the FBI’s academy in Quantico, Virginia. He received a letter from Patel ordering his immediate dismissal. The employee, during his non-agent role, received several awards for service during his career, had also been a field office diversity program coordinator, and displayed a Pride flag at his workstation. Patel did not specify the reason in the notification of his firing, but he said he agent trainee being summarily dismissed for past “poor judgment” and “an inappropriate display of political signage,” sources told CNN. Also read: Massive fire erupts at Chevron refinery near Los Angeles; no injuries reported Meanwhile, FBI veterans told CNN that displaying the pride flag at one's desk would not violate any past FBI policy. But this happened due to US President Donald Trump's ideology of getting rid of "Woke" ideology. The firing comes less than a week after Patel fired over a dozen other FBI employees who took a knee while conducting crowd control in 2020 after being confronted by a group of demonstrators in the nation’s capital. Also read: Manchester attack: UK Police killed one of three victims, admits chief constable “After reviewing the facts and circumstances and considering your probationary status, I have determined that you exercised poor judgment with an inappropriate display of political signage in your work area during your previous assignment in the Los Angeles Field Office," Patel wrote, without specifically referencing the pride flag. Also read: Global Uranium reserves: Top 10 countries with the largest Uranium reserves "You are being summarily dismissed from your position as a New Agent Trainee at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and removed from the federal service," the letter added.

Patel did not specify the reason in the notification of his firing, but he said he agent trainee being summarily dismissed for past poor judgment and an inappropriate display of political signage.&nbsp;

‘Inappropriate display’: Kash Patel fires FBI employee for displaying Pride flag at work desk

The funding measure approved by US President Joe Biden on Saturday contains a provision that prohibits the flying of LGBTQ Pride flags at US embassies. The White House has committed to lift the restriction on raising the rainbow flag, which represents LGBTQ equality.

LGBTQ pride flags to be banned from flying at US embassies

A California store owner was shot dead Friday after a dispute emerged over displaying of an LGBTQ+ Pride flag at her shop.

The killer reportedly attempted to flee the scene on foot after shooting the 66-year-old victim but was later killed by authorities in an encounter.

San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies responded to Mag.Pi clothing store in Cedar Glen at 5 PM local time. The officials pronounced Laura Ann Carleton dead at the scene. Before shooting the woman, the attacker made "several disparaging remarks about the rainbow flag," said San Bernardino Sheriff's Department.

About Laura Ann Carleton

Carleton, known as "Lauri," was a mother of nine and had a husband, as mentioned on the clothing store's website. She established and managed the Mag.Pi clothing store, commencing her career in the fashion industry from a young age.

Having undergone education at the Art Center School of Design, Carleton held a lengthy fashion career, notably serving for 15 years as an executive at Kenneth Cole, according to the website.

Tributes were offered on social media to honour the shop owner after the tragic shooting incident.

Watch:&nbsp;California coastal communities brace for storm Hilary

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"Lauri was a pillar in our community, an immovable force in her values for equality, love, and justice," said a post by Mountain Provisions Cooperative, a local food co-op.

"If you knew Lauri you know she loved hard, laughed often, and nurtured and protected those she cared about," the post added.

<h2>Statement by LGBTQ group</h2>

While a nearby LGBTQ group in Lake Arrowhead clarified that Carleton didn't personally identify as LGBTQ+, they emphasised her dedication to helping and supporting all individuals.

On the night of the shooting, she was defending Pride flags displayed in front of her store.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-hilary-batters-california-flash-floods-and-tornado-warnings-in-place-627375">Also read:&nbsp;Tropical Storm Hilary batters California: Flash-floods and tornado warnings in place</a>

On social media, many people used rainbow flag emojis to honour the store owner.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies in various states have been investigating the defacement of rainbow Pride flags as possible hate crimes in recent times.

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A California store owner was shot dead Friday after a dispute emerged over displaying of an LGBTQ+ Pride flag at her shop. The killer reportedly attempted to flee the scene on foot after shooting the 66-year-old victim but was later killed by authorities in an encounter.

A California store owner was shot dead Friday after a dispute emerged over displaying of an LGBTQ+ Pride flag at her shop. The killer reportedly attempted to flee the scene on foot after shooting the 66-year-old victim but was later killed by authorities in an encounter. San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies responded to Mag.Pi clothing store in Cedar Glen at 5 PM local time. The officials pronounced Laura Ann Carleton dead at the scene. Before shooting the woman, the attacker made "several disparaging remarks about the rainbow flag," said San Bernardino Sheriff's Department. About Laura Ann Carleton Carleton, known as "Lauri," was a mother of nine and had a husband, as mentioned on the clothing store's website. She established and managed the Mag.Pi clothing store, commencing her career in the fashion industry from a young age. Having undergone education at the Art Center School of Design, Carleton held a lengthy fashion career, notably serving for 15 years as an executive at Kenneth Cole, according to the website. Tributes were offered on social media to honour the shop owner after the tragic shooting incident. Watch: California coastal communities brace for storm Hilary × "Lauri was a pillar in our community, an immovable force in her values for equality, love, and justice," said a post by Mountain Provisions Cooperative, a local food co-op. "If you knew Lauri you know she loved hard, laughed often, and nurtured and protected those she cared about," the post added. Statement by LGBTQ group While a nearby LGBTQ group in Lake Arrowhead clarified that Carleton didn't personally identify as LGBTQ+, they emphasised her dedication to helping and supporting all individuals. On the night of the shooting, she was defending Pride flags displayed in front of her store. Also read: Tropical Storm Hilary batters California: Flash-floods and tornado warnings in place On social media, many people used rainbow flag emojis to honour the store owner. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies in various states have been investigating the defacement of rainbow Pride flags as possible hate crimes in recent times. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

California woman shot dead for displaying LGBTQ+ Pride flag at her shop

The Malaysian government, on Thursday (August 10) said that the owners and sellers of rainbow-coloured watchers made by the Swiss watchmaker Swatch could face three years in prison after the ban on what it described as the brand’s “LGBTQ related” products claiming it could “harm morals”.&nbsp;

<h2>Malaysian government about the ban</h2>

According to a ban notice issued by Malaysia’s law enforcement unit at the interior ministry, anyone who “prints, imports, produces…or has in his possession” such timepieces bearing what it called “LGBT elements” faces a jail term of up to three years.&nbsp;

The government has also said that any person found wearing or distributing the watches could also be fined 20,000 Malaysian ringgit ($4,362). “The Malaysian government is committed to preventing the spread of elements that are harmful or may be harmful to morals,” said the ministry.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/british-band-the-1975-faces-legal-threat-after-performative-activism-in-malaysia-623359">British Band The 1975 faces legal threat after 'performative activism' in Malaysia</a>

Notably, homosexuality is outlawed in the Muslim-majority country and LGBTQ+ people face discrimination.&nbsp;

The watches “may harm…the interests of the nation by promoting, supporting and normalising the LGBTQ+ movement that is not accepted by the general public,” the statement added.

<h2>172 watches seized</h2>

The recent ban also comes months after interior ministry department officials raided Swatch stores at 11 shopping malls across the country, earlier this year, including in the capital, Kuala Lumpur and confiscated rainbow-coloured watches made by Swatch that celebrate LGBTQ+ rights.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-authorities-confiscate-lgbt-rainbow-coloured-swatch-watches-595884">Malaysian authorities confiscate ‘LGBT’ rainbow-coloured Swatch watches</a>

A ministry official told AFP in May that 172 watches worth $14,000 were seized in raids because they bore the “LGBTQ” acronym and had six colours instead of the seven in a rainbow. The six-colour rainbow Pride flag is one of the most well-known LGBTQ symbols globally.

At the time, Chief Executive Nick Hayek said he was disappointed and concerned. “We strongly contest that our collection of watches using rainbow colours and having a message of peace and love could be harmful for whomever,” said Hayek, in a statement to Reuters.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-play-pulls-down-malaysia-governments-gay-conversion-app-463260">Google Play pulls down Malaysia government's 'gay conversion' app</a>

In June, Swatch filed a lawsuit against the Malaysian government over the seizure, writing that the watches “did not promote any sexual activity but merely a fun and joyous expression of peace and love”.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;

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The Malaysian government, on Thursday (August 10) said that the owners and sellers of rainbow-coloured watchers made by the Swiss watchmaker Swatch could face three years in prison after the ban on what it described as the brand’s “LGBTQ related” products claiming it could “harm morals”.

The Malaysian government, on Thursday (August 10) said that the owners and sellers of rainbow-coloured watchers made by the Swiss watchmaker Swatch could face three years in prison after the ban on what it described as the brand’s “LGBTQ related” products claiming it could “harm morals”. Malaysian government about the ban According to a ban notice issued by Malaysia’s law enforcement unit at the interior ministry, anyone who “prints, imports, produces…or has in his possession” such timepieces bearing what it called “LGBT elements” faces a jail term of up to three years. The government has also said that any person found wearing or distributing the watches could also be fined 20,000 Malaysian ringgit ($4,362). “The Malaysian government is committed to preventing the spread of elements that are harmful or may be harmful to morals,” said the ministry. ALSO READ | British Band The 1975 faces legal threat after 'performative activism' in Malaysia Notably, homosexuality is outlawed in the Muslim-majority country and LGBTQ+ people face discrimination. The watches “may harm…the interests of the nation by promoting, supporting and normalising the LGBTQ+ movement that is not accepted by the general public,” the statement added. 172 watches seized The recent ban also comes months after interior ministry department officials raided Swatch stores at 11 shopping malls across the country, earlier this year, including in the capital, Kuala Lumpur and confiscated rainbow-coloured watches made by Swatch that celebrate LGBTQ+ rights. ALSO READ | Malaysian authorities confiscate ‘LGBT’ rainbow-coloured Swatch watches A ministry official told AFP in May that 172 watches worth $14,000 were seized in raids because they bore the “LGBTQ” acronym and had six colours instead of the seven in a rainbow. The six-colour rainbow Pride flag is one of the most well-known LGBTQ symbols globally. At the time, Chief Executive Nick Hayek said he was disappointed and concerned. “We strongly contest that our collection of watches using rainbow colours and having a message of peace and love could be harmful for whomever,” said Hayek, in a statement to Reuters. ALSO READ | Google Play pulls down Malaysia government's 'gay conversion' app In June, Swatch filed a lawsuit against the Malaysian government over the seizure, writing that the watches “did not promote any sexual activity but merely a fun and joyous expression of peace and love”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Owners of rainbow Swatch watch in Malaysia to be jailed for 3 years: Here’s why

A German mosque displayed the pride flag ahead of 3 major LGBTQ events in Berlin. What does this gesture mean for the Muslim LGBTQ community? Why is this German mosque embracing gay rights? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Berlin mosque displays pride flag

Qatar has two new rules for the FIFA World cup. The first rule is no extramarital encounters as it could cost you almost seven years in jail and second rule is pride flags are allowed now at the 2022 World Cup.

Qatar's weird diktats for FIFA World Cup: Confusion over display of pride flags

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