HOUSTON, TX — Before dawn on Monday, METRO used industrial machinery to grind down the Pride crosswalks in Montrose while Houston Police Department officers made arrests at the scene.
Three peaceful protests took place between Sunday and early Monday. The first began at noon with approximately 225 participants, the second at 6:00 p.m. with about 30, and the final overnight demonstration peaked at roughly 50 people. Protesters remained on sidewalks or crossed at signals. Local media documented the overnight events.
Around 1:50 a.m., additional HPD units and METRO construction trucks arrived. Roughly twenty construction workers and up to eighteen HPD officers were present. Officers issued warnings, then arrested several protesters who remained in the crosswalk. Witnesses reported one woman being detained behind a police vehicle and loaded into a cruiser. Crews began grinding down the crosswalks around 4:30 a.m.
Governor Greg Abbott issued his directive eleven days ago, giving state and local agencies thirty days to comply. Houston acted with nineteen days remaining. The city’s decision to proceed early was voluntary and represented a clear capitulation to the governor’s ongoing campaign to erase LGBTQ+ visibility in one of Houston’s most historic neighborhoods.
“These crosswalks were created to honor Alex Hill, a pedestrian killed by a driver in Montrose,” said Emmanuel Núñez. “They reflected Houston’s commitment to safety and inclusion. Removing them before the deadline, and arresting residents who opposed it, revealed where power in this city now chooses to side.”
“The mayor will not fight for our rights, but he will arrest the people who fight for theirs,” said Joseph Panzarella. “Houston’s leadership carried out the governor’s agenda instead of defending the community that built this neighborhood. That choice will define this administration’s legacy.”
Click here to Send Email!
Fill out the form below to stay in touch
Your message has been sent
