In yet another attack motivated by anti-LGBTQ hate, Laura Ann Carleton, known by friends as Lauri, was shot and killed in her Lake Arrowhead, CA clothing store for displaying a rainbow pride flag. Carleton, 66, was a mother of 9, ally, and a beloved member of her community.
The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office reported that the currently unnamed man who murdered Carleton entered her business, Mag Pi, and “made several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag that stood outside the store,” before shooting her to death.
The Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ Center describes Carleton as a “remarkable figure”, whose “unwavering support” for the community and “dedication to creating a safe and inclusive space within her shop touched the lives of many.”
View this post on Instagram
GLAAD President CEO Sarah Kate Ellis published a statement in response saying, “Our hearts are broken for Laura Ann (Lauri) Carleton, her community, and her loved ones. The tragic, targeted killing of Lauri over the Pride flag displayed at her Lake Arrowhead store was senseless and, unfortunately, part of a growing number of attacks on LGBTQ people and our allies. GLAAD and the ADL have tracked more than 350 anti-LGBTQ threats and attacks this year, coinciding with a disturbing increase in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and legislation across the country.
No one should feel unsafe or be attacked for who they are or for simply supporting the LGBTQ community. Lauri’s murder is the latest example of how anti-LGBTQ hatred hurts everyone, whether they are LGBTQ or not. We know a supermajority of Americans support LGBTQ people, and this horrific act of violence is not indicative of American values.”
View this post on Instagram
Tributes have poured in for the business owner from the endless list of people who’s lives she has touched. Filmmaker and director Paul Feig posted his devastation on Instagram about the loss of his dear friend.
<d