Overview
- Prosecutors dismissed obstruction charges against four people arrested during the Oct. 20 protest at Westheimer Road and Taft Street, stating the cases were dropped in the interest of justice.
- METRO removed the rainbow crosswalks after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered TxDOT to ensure jurisdictions eliminate roadway markings conveying political or ideological messages within 30 days.
- At a board meeting, Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock said the agency acted under a mandate and emphasized fulfilling its responsibility despite criticism over the speed of compliance.
- LGBTQ advocates and Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin faulted the rapid removal, while Mayor John Whitmire warned the city could not risk losing transportation funding and pointed to relocating artwork onto private property.
- The crosswalks were repainted on Oct. 1 after construction, then drew attention from conservative social media and state Rep. Brian Harrison before the state’s enforcement push.