HOUSTON, TX – Crews removed the iconic rainbow crosswalks in Montrose overnight under orders tied to a directive from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, prompting protests and several detentions.
Protesters began gathering before 2 a.m. in anticipation of the removal. As construction crews arrived, the group marched around the crosswalk and eventually positioned themselves within it. Several individuals were detained after HPD provided verbal warnings, and crews were then allowed to begin their work.
Some residents at the scene voiced deep frustration over the removal, describing the crosswalk as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, visibility, and inclusion. They also said the crosswalk served as a critical pedestrian safety measure, citing its installation after a fatal hit-and-run and noting no pedestrian deaths since it was painted in 2017.
They also said the removal felt like a political distraction from urgent local issues such as air quality, housing, and public safety. Concerns were raised over state-level influence in local decisions and what they described as a lack of transparency from city leadership.
The crosswalks were at the intersection of Westheimer and Taft.
