A plan to rename a major roadway in Bastrop County in honor of Charlie Kirk has been shelved following significant public engagement and a surge of constituent feedback.
County commissioners had been preparing to consider a resolution that would designate FM 969, a nearly 29-mile route linking Bastrop to the Austin metro area as the “Charlie Kirk Corridor.” The measure also encouraged members of the Texas Legislature to formalize the change during a future legislative session.
According to the draft language, the designation aimed to recognize Kirk’s role in advancing civic participation, youth political involvement, free expression, and conservative values through his work with Turning Point USA.
The proposal, however, prompted an unusually large turnout at the commissioners’ meeting. Local coverage from the Austin American-Statesman described a crowd exceeding 100 attendees, with speakers offering both support and opposition. Some participants displayed signs signaling disagreement with the resolution.
The vote was postponed at the request of Commissioner David Glass, who cited a wave of emails from residents. Explaining his decision, Glass said, “Two-thirds of them were from very considerate constituents asking me to postpone the vote and/or to reconsider the resolution. I felt that I would honor their request. I replied to every email myself. The other 1/3 were very hateful with threats, etc.”
Glass later indicated he does not plan to revive the measure, noting that he intends to step back and engage further with constituents before considering similar initiatives. “I’m going to take a breath and have some more conversations with my constituents,” he said.
Efforts to memorialize Kirk have surfaced in multiple states since his killing in September. Supporters have proposed attaching his name to public infrastructure and symbols, reflecting his national profile among conservative activists.
Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley State University. Authorities charged Tyler Robinson, 22, with several offenses, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. Prosecutors have announced their intention to pursue the death penalty.
