66-Year-Old Clothing Store Owner Shot and Killed Defending LGBTQ+ Pride Flags
Tragedy struck the Lake Arrowhead community when 66-year-old Lauri Carleton, owner of the clothing store Mag.pi, was shot and killed while defending her LGBTQ+ Pride flags. The incident has garnered national attention and sparked a wave of love and support for Carleton’s memory.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Carleton was fatally shot on Friday. Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ, in a Facebook post, stated that she was murdered defending her LGBTQ+ Pride flags in front of her store, a sentiment echoed by her friend and director Paul Feig.
Feig revealed on Instagram that Carleton was killed by a 27-year-old man who had ripped down a large pride flag outside her store. When Carleton confronted him about his actions, he shot her. The alleged killer managed to flee the scene, but a subsequent shootout with law enforcement ended his life, as reported by multiple media outlets.
Carleton’s tragic and untimely death has left her husband Bort, her family, and the LGBTQ+ community devastated. Recognizing Carleton as 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.
Bridget Everett, an actor and comedian known for her role in Somebody Somewhere, shared her heartfelt memories of Carleton on Instagram. She recalled Carleton’s resilience in the face of adversity, with the store owner consistently putting up new flags whenever they were torn down or vandalized. The irony of Carleton’s presence at Lake Arrowhead pride, both in the parade and at a party, was not lost on Everett. She emphasized the price that anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric can exact and lamented the devastation faced by Carleton’s loved ones and community.
Carleton’s impactful role within the LGBTQ+ community and the wider area has been recognized by many, including local politicians. Lisa Middleton, a state Senate candidate and transgender woman, joined others in offering condolences for Carleton’s tragic loss.
While Carleton did not personally identify as LGBTQ+, she dedicated her time to helping and advocating for everyone in the community. Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ expressed their deep sorrow over Carleton’s passing and stressed that she would be greatly missed.
With Mag.pi store locations in Cedar Glen, near Lake Arrowhead, and in Studio City, Carleton’s enduring legacy will undoubtedly be felt by many. Her tragic death serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing need for tolerance and acceptance in our society, and the devastating consequences that intolerance can bring.
In memory of Lauri Carleton, the hope remains that her tragic death will inspire a renewed commitment to creating a world free of hatred and violence, where everyone can live authentically and without fear.
