In light of the murder of Lauri Carleton over her store’s Pride flag and the murders of Angela Carr, A.J. Laguerre Jr., and Jarrald De’Shaun Gallion by a racist white shooter, NAMI Massachusetts reaffirms our condemnation of hateful rhetoric and the violence that too often follows it. These acts of discriminatory gun violence showcase a distressing reality that demands our collective attention and concerted action. We mourn the loss of life and trauma inflicted by these shootings and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ and Black communities.
Lauri Carleton was a Californian business owner and ally who proudly displayed a rainbow Pride flag in her store’s front window. On August 17th, an assailant ripped down the Pride flag while shouting homophobic slurs at Carleton. She confronted him, and he fatally shot her.
In solidarity with our LGBTQ+ partners, we explicitly condemn the disgusting rhetoric of Lauri’s assailant and the crime he committed. Lauri’s murder follows a wave of violence and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation sweeping our nation. Research by ADL and GLAAD revealed over 350 incidents of harassment, vandalism, and assault from June 2022 to May 2023. Meanwhile, the ACLU is currently tracking over 450 bills set to curb the civil rights of the LBGTQ+ community, particularly trans people and queer youth. We as an organization stand against furthering the structural inequities present in our laws and policies through additional discriminatory legislation.
On August 26th, in Jacksonville, FL, a white supremacist shot and killed Angella Carr, A.J. Languerre Jr., and Jarrald De’Shaun Gallion while they were at a store. Authorities have reported that this shooter left a manifesto of “disgusting, hateful ideology” and guns marked with swastikas. This horrifying act is a tragic reminder of the enduring legacy of racism plaguing our country.
The Jacksonville shooting is another demonstration of discriminatory gun violence. It highlights that Black Americans cannot safely do anything–go to work, shop, exist. The Leadership Conference Education Fund reported that hate crimes have increased by over 80 percent since 2015, and Black Americans remain the most frequent victims. This recent violence comes on the tails of numerous campaigns to whitewash U.S. history and curtail teaching about race. Without the context of our histories, we are more prone to repeat grave errors of the past.
NAMI Mass envisions a society that promotes the values of respect, agency, self-determination, non-coercion, non- violence, and justice. We honor the wide range of cultural and community experiences that shape an individual. We believe incidences of traumatization and oppression directly shape a person’s health, including their mental health. Repeated incidences of racism, bigotry, and violence have a traumatic impact on not only the victims’ loved ones, but it also has traumatizing effects on the communities at large. In order to promote health, advance justice, and prevent physical and psychological distress, NAMI Mass underscores the urgent need to confront and dismantle discriminatory ideologies in our society and systems.
We acknowledge that statements, thoughts, and prayers are offered too often as the response to violence when what is needed is action. To address this issue comprehensively, we call for a multi-faceted approach that encompasses legislative changes, accessible mental health care and resources, and education campaigns aimed at dismantling stereotypes and biases. We demand accountability of those pedaling hate and divisive rhetoric that empowers people with violent intent. Policymakers must act on comprehensive gun reform to prevent further tragedies and strike down discriminatory legislation while supporting substantial bills to protect the LGBTQ+ and Black communities.
