LGBTQ activist owner of queer Washington State bagel shop murdered while vacationing in New Orleans

Jacob Carter, 32, was gunned down near the intersection of Bourbon Street and Kerlerec Street on Friday. Police said that the shooter allegedly approached Carter and shot him to death before fleeing the scene, according to the News Tribune. Authorities have not yet released a suspect description.

Carter co-owned the woke "proudly queer" Howdy Bagel shop in Tacoma, Washington alongside his husband, Daniel Blagovich, who was vacationing with Carter at the time of his death.

"He died in my arms," Blagovich told the outlet.

The pair opened Howdy Bagel shop after both Carter and Blagovich were laid off from their jobs during the pandemic. They first sold their baked goods at farmers' markets in 2021, which was a wild success that resulted in the couple opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant located at 5421 South Tacoma Way.

According to its Instagram account, Howdy Bagel shop describes itself as "proud and openly queer." The company gives a "land acknowledgment" to the Puyallup, Steilacoom, and Walla Walla native American tribes.

Pictures featured on the Instagram account include support for far-left political movements such as Black Lives Matter. Howdy Bagel also has a "Pride Progress" flag displayed in its storefront window.

In a post announcing Carter's death, Howdy Bagel wrote on Instagram: "If you knew Jake, you know he was someone who exuded kindness, warmth, and genuine care to everyone he met. Jake was one of the brightest spots in the lives of everyone he loved. This loss is immeasurable for our community."

The statement went on to say that the storefront has temporarily closed to give Blagovich time to handle the tragic death and that donations are being accepted to help the shop's employees.

"Daniel and Jacob have been continually blown away and grateful for the ways that this community has rallied together to support Howdy Bagel. We know that in this difficult season, you will all continue to show up with love and support," it said.

The GoFundMe set up for Carter has amassed more than $239,000 in donations.

Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (504) 822-1111 or police at (504) 658-5300.