In February 2024, a tragic incident occurred at a Home Depot store in South Los Angeles, California, involving the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Carlos Lara Jr. by an armed security guard. The incident began when Lara became involved in an altercation with a food vendor inside the store. As Lara attempted to leave, a crowd of bystanders surrounded him, escalating the situation. Security guards, including Ralph Fulton Jr., intervened, but rather than de-escalating the situation, Fulton allegedly joined the crowd. As Lara attempted to drive away, Fulton fired a shot, striking him in the back of the head and causing his death at the scene.

In October 2024, Lara’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Home Depot, the security companies Citiguard and Metroguard USA, and the security guard involved, Ralph Fulton Jr. The lawsuit alleges that Fulton had a criminal history and should not have been employed as an armed security guard. It also claims that the security companies failed to properly vet and supervise their personnel, leading to the fatal shooting.

The lawsuit is ongoing as of January 2025, with the plaintiffs seeking unspecified damages. This case highlights the critical importance of thorough background checks, adequate training, and proper supervision for security personnel, particularly those authorized to carry firearms. It also underscores the responsibility of businesses to ensure that their security providers are qualified to handle high-pressure situations appropriately to safeguard the public.