Rainbow Pride flags that had been lining the fence outside Houston’s Montrose Center were ripped down on Thursday, torn from the posts and left scattered on the sidewalk, according to the community hub. The center shared video of the incident, confirmed that staff, clients and visitors were safe, and said a police report has been filed as it condemned the act as vandalism and vowed to keep serving the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
Center posts video and files police report
In a statement on its website, the Montrose Center said an unidentified person pulled the Pride flags from the top of the fence and tossed them to the ground, then left the area. The organization said a police report has been filed and urged anyone who feels shaken by the incident to access its counseling and support services. CEO Avery Belyeu added a firm message, writing, “Let us be clear: we are not going anywhere.” The same statement reiterated that staff, clients and visitors were safe.
How the incident ties to the crosswalk fight
The rows of flags were first installed in 2025 after a long-running dispute over a rainbow crosswalk in Montrose, a fight that included the state ordering the crossing removed and protests in October. That clash, along with a directive from state leaders about what roadway markings are allowed, has turned local Pride symbols into a neighborhood flashpoint, according to reporting by the Houston Chronicle. Residents and advocates have repeatedly argued that attacks on visible LGBTQ+ spaces are part of a wider national rise in such incidents.
Security and supports ahead of the summit
Looking ahead, the center says it will increase its security presence for the second annual Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Community Summit, which is scheduled for Feb. 7–8. In its update, the Montrose Center encouraged community members to lean on existing services. The website highlights counseling, support groups and a 24-hour helpline for anyone who needs help processing the vandalism, and it describes the summit itself as a free, two-day gathering.
Investigations and next steps
The Montrose Center confirmed that the organization has reported the vandalism to police, and said local officials had not yet provided an update on the status of any investigation. The center is asking anyone with information or relevant footage to contact law enforcement and to reach out to the center for support while investigators follow up. As the neighborhood prepares for next month’s summit, leaders say they plan to continue showing up for clients and neighbors in spite of what they describe as an act of intimidation. The Houston Chronicle has additional details on the incident and the video the center shared.
